Updated March 2, 2026 — 3:36pm, first published 12:36pm
Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners has beaten heavy-hitter One Battle After Another in the biggest category at the Actor Awards on Monday (AEDT), winning most outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, throwing the Academy Awards race wide open.
“There’s supposed to be a teleprompter somewhere, but I don’t see it, so I’m just going to speak,” Sinners star and veteran actor Delroy Lindo said as he accepted the coveted prize on behalf of the film’s cast.
Delroy Lindo (left), Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku (right) accept the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture for Sinners at the Actor Awards. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP “This project is anointed, and from that standpoint, we’re all anointed to be part of this incredible journey created by the genius Ryan Coogler … Every single day we brought our hearts, our souls, our spirits to this endeavour. To be recognised by you all – thank you does not come anywhere near close enough to encompass the gratitude we feel.”
In another unexpected turn of events, Michael B. Jordan took home the prize for best leading actor, a category many initially believed would go to Marty Supreme’s Timothée Chalamet given his previous success this awards season. Jordan clinched the victory with his riveting performance as twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners. Once again, it now appears to be anyone’s game come the Academy Awards on March 16 (AEDT).
Michael B. Jordan has blown the race for best leading actor at the Oscars actor wide open following his win at the Actor Awards. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP “I don’t even know where to begin. I wasn’t expecting this at all,” a visibly shocked Jordan said on stage.
“I just want to quickly say that I’m so honoured and privileged to be nominated with people and actors and humans that I love, and I love their work and what they contribute to our craft. This ride has been unbelievable … When I got my [SAG] card, I was an entry-level member and those guys on stage in nice suits, that’s what I always wanted to be. That kid from north New Jersey is standing here now.”
Meanwhile, it wasn’t Australia’s night at the Actor Awards, with Rose Byrne, Jacob Elordi and Sarah Snook being pipped in their respective categories.
Byrne, who was in the running for best leading actress for her searing role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, lost out to Jessie Buckley in Hamnet. Elsewhere, Elordi, who stunned with his performance as Frankenstein’s monster, lost to Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) in the best supporting actor category, and Snook, who was nominated for All Her Fault
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