Michael B. Jordan Honored with American Cinematheque Award, Reflects on Chadwick Boseman and Trailblazing Role
LOS ANGELES – Michael B. Jordan received the American Cinematheque Award on Thursday, using his acceptance speech to honor the late Chadwick Boseman and discuss the importance of dedication to the craft of acting, as well as the impact of his own early roles on representation. The ceremony, a fundraiser for the non-profit organization, featured performances and presentations from industry leaders.
Jordan was lauded by Daniel Kaluuya, who shared a story about Boseman and highlighted Jordan’s commitment to his role as Killmonger in Black Panther. Kaluuya recounted how Jordan spent multiple hours each day undergoing physical conversion for the part, framing it as a demonstration of respect for their profession. Kaluuya shared a personal shift in viewpoint, stating he “used to see an early wake-up call [for makeup and hair] as taking something from me,” but now views it “as an prospect to show how much I care, like Mike.”
Kaluuya also recalled a pivotal moment a decade prior, when he saw a billboard of Jordan as Johnny storm in 2015’s Fantastic Four. ”He’s lighting a path here,” Kaluuya realized. “There’s a way I didn’t see, that now I see. In 2015, people like us were not playing characters like that. My boy’s the human Torch in real life!”
The event included a three-course meal consisting of Caesar salad, a choice of umami glazed salmon or wild mushroom risotto, and dessert options of apple tart Normande or chocolate mousse cake. A musical performance of “I Lied to You” from Sinners was delivered by Miles Caton, Ludwig Göransson, and Raphael Sadiq, a song Warner Bros. is actively promoting for Best Song consideration at the oscars.
Universal Pictures Chair Donna Langley presented charles H. Rivkin of the Motion Picture Association with the Power of Cinema Award.
Jordan joins a distinguished list of past American Cinematheque Award recipients, including Jessica Chastain, Helen Mirren, ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansson, Spike Lee, and Charlize Theron. The award was frist presented in 1986 to Eddie Murphy.
Proceeds from Thursday’s ceremony will support the American Cinematheque’s year-round programming at the aero Theater in Santa Monica, the Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
