Actors Oscar Snubs: Michael B. Jordan

Early Beginnings

Michael B. Jordan got his first shot of fame with the hit series, The Wire. Ever since then Michael B. Jordan career has skyrocketed to the top. Michael B. Jordan has had plenty of success since the series ended becoming a leading man in Hollywood. So the question writes itself: should he have an Oscar? And if so for which film does he deserve one for?

Michael B. Jordan Gives A Phenomenal Breakthrough Performance With Fruitvale Station

Let's start off with his first leading film that started off his long running collaboration with director Ryan Coogler and that is Fruitvale Station. Fruitvale Station premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2013 and tells the true story of 22-year-old black man Oscar Grant being fatally unalived by BART Officer Johannes Mehserle during the early hours of New Years Eve of 2009. This movie is still regarded as one of his best performances and it is the very first film to ever make me cry. Not only did this film put the child star actor on the map but he also started to receive a lot of comparisons to Denzel Washington which is a lot of pressure.

Leading up to the Oscar's everyone was raving about his performance and the film overall and was hoping that he would at least receive a nomination for Best Male Lead Actor. Unfortunately, for Michael, a film came out called, The Wolf Of Wall Street starring Leonardo Dicaprio. Leonardo Dicaprio was a lot of people's picks to take home the golden statue and even if Michael was nominated their was no doubt that Leo had the best performance in The Wolf Of Wall Street. I personally think that it was a little too early for Michael to receive a nomination, especially against heavy hitters like Leonardo Dicaprio and Matthew Mcconaughey.

Continuing A Legacy

I absolutely love sports dramas. Now I didn't grow up on the Rocky films, however, when I found out Michael B. Jordan was going to be in it I watched the first three films for context (yes I still need to watch Rocky IV through Balboa) just in case I needed it. This came out around Thanksgiving weekend of 2015 just in time for award season. In my personal opinion not only was this one of the best legacy sequels but it's one of the best performances of both actors careers to this day. How the hell did this film not get any nominations other than Male Supporting Actor for Sylvester Stalone?

Creed easily should've received nominations for Best Male Lead Actor, Best Female Supporting Actor, Best Score, Best Picture & Best Director. This was the same year that, “Oscar's so white” trended on Twitter. Honestly, how many people are re-watching Leonardo Dicaprio's award winning performance in The Revenant? Creed not receiving any nominations other than Best Male Actor In A Supporting Role is still a head scratcher for me.

Hurt People, Hurt People

We all are aware of the previous misfire Michael B. Jordan has had with a comic book film, (Fantastic 4 released in 2014) but luckily thanks to a great script and Ryan Coogler in charge his luck turned around. Black Panther was released during Black History Month of 2018 which was perfect timing for award season. The film garnered huge praise for it's performances, the portrayal of Africa, the score, the soundtrack and Ryan Coogler's direction. Black Panther went on to win three of the many awards it was nominated for including Best Score, Production Design & Costume Design. Not only did the film miss out on the acting categories but it didn't even win Best Picture.

Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger was a breath of fresh air for not only the actor but to audience members as well. Erik Killmonger is a product of his environment and even turns his trauma into hatred by hurting the ones that hurt him. Till this day people are still having debates on if Killmonger was actually right or not. If it was up to me I would've taken out Mahershala Ali for Green Book and replaced him with Michael B. Jordan for his performance in Black Panther.

Just Mercy Is Passed Over

Once again the Academy continues to snub black actors. Just Mercy tells the true story about a lawyer named Bryan Stevenson who defends Walter McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), who had been wrongfully convicted of the murder of a young woman. The only precursor award ceremony that Just Mercy got in for was for SAG and it was a Male Actor In A Supporting Role for Jamie Foxx's performance. I think if this film would’ve came out a year later it would’ve had a chance. Even though it was highly unlikely to receive a nomination due to films such as Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Joker, Parasite, etc.

It should've at least been nominated for Best Male Lead Actor, Best Male Actor In A Supporting Role, Best Female Actor In A Supporting Role, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. While I’m happy for the wins that Parasite received and even Joaquin Phoenix for his psychotic journey for The Joker, Michael should have at least been considered for a nom despite rather you like the film or not.

Closing Statements

As for why the Creed/Black Panther star hasn't won an Oscar yet, I'm not to sure. The Academy Awards is known for not giving great actors their flowers. And when they do it's always for the wrong performance or an “Honorary” Oscar which in my opinion is like getting a certificate for being on the honor role. Michael has had numerous great performances which should are Oscar worthy in my opinion. He is still young and he definitely has plenty of time so who knows what the future holds.

Performances He Should’ve Won For: Best Male Actor In A Lead Performance for Creed and Best Male Actor In A Supporting Role for Black Panther