At a Glance
- Michael B. Jordan dialed his mother immediately after Sinners earned 16 Oscar nominations, a record for a single film.
- The nominations included Best Actor for Jordan and Best Director for Ryan Coogler.
- Jordan’s mom, Donna, made headlines at the 2026 Golden Globes for her playful reaction to a joke about her son.
- Why it matters: The moment underscores the personal ties behind Hollywood success and highlights the historic achievement of Sinners.
The announcement of Sinners‘ Oscar nominations marked a historic moment for the film and for its star, Michael B. Jordan. On Thursday, Jan. 22, the actor revealed that the first person he called after learning the film had secured a record-breaking 16 nominations was his mother, Donna Jordan. The news came just after Jordan received a Best Actor nomination, cementing the movie’s status as the most nominated film in Oscar history.
The Oscar Milestone
- Sinners broke the previous record of 14 nominations held by Titanic (1997), La La Land (2016), and All About Eve* (1950).
- The nomination list also featured:
- Best Director – Ryan Coogler
- Best Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku
- Best Supporting Actor – Delroy Lindo
> “It was great. A lot of tears and the reason why I’m even in this industry and why I’m acting at all – why that was even an idea,” Jordan said. “To talk to the woman who started it all first meant the world.”
Jordan, 38, expressed that he is still “digesting” the Academy’s recognition. He highlighted the collective effort behind the film’s success and thanked the audience for watching.
Family Reaction
Donna Jordan’s response to her son’s achievements extended beyond the Oscars. At the 83rd annual Golden Globes on Jan. 11, 2026, she rolled her eyes to a joke host Nikki Glaser made about Michael’s twin characters in Sinners. Glaser’s monologue included:
> “I can’t believe it, we got two Michael B. Jordans. When I saw that, I was like, Nikki B. Jerkin’, because that was awesome.”
Glaser later apologized for the joke, acknowledging that Donna was present.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jan. 12, Jordan reflected on the ceremony:
> “I had fun, but my mom stole the show. … I’m pretty sure all her girlfriends are, like, texting her and sending her every meme and every clip possible.”
When asked if his mother gets uncomfortable when women openly lust after him, Jordan admitted it’s common:
> “I think by now she’s used to it. So she just gives a little eye roll and just kinda keeps it pushing. She doesn’t really respond too much.”
Other Appearances
Conan O’Brien is slated to host the Oscars live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
Takeaway
Michael B. Jordan’s immediate call to his mother after Sinners broke the Oscar nomination record illustrates the personal roots that fuel Hollywood success. The film’s unprecedented 16 nominations not only set a new benchmark but also highlighted the collaborative artistry behind the project. Meanwhile, Donna Jordan’s public moments-from the Golden Globes to Jimmy Kimmel Live-showcase the family’s shared pride and the supportive bond that underpins the actor’s career.
—
