In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan shared an emotional embrace following Jordan’s triumph as Best Actor at the 2026 Academy Awards. The touching moment occurred during the ceremony on Sunday, March 15, as Jordan celebrated his victory for his role in the film “Sinners”, marking a culmination of an impressive awards season for both actors.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Michael-B-Jordan-Leonardo-DiCaprio-98th-Oscars-hugging-2026-031726-057bb478ea604841be97fffdfec8f033.jpg)
Jordan, aged 39, took home the coveted Oscar after a competitive race that included renowned performances from DiCaprio, who was nominated for his role in “One Battle After Another”, alongside Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), and Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”). The two films were the most celebrated this year, with “One Battle After Another” securing six Oscars, including the prestigious Best Picture, while “Sinners” claimed four Oscars, notably winning the Academy’s inaugural Best Casting award.
The moment was captured in a video shared by InStyle on Instagram, showing Jordan leaning in towards DiCaprio, resting his head on the older actor’s shoulder. The embrace, which lasted over 20 seconds, reflected a genuine respect and kinship between the two stars as they congratulated one another in a moment that resonated with viewers.
During his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed gratitude to key figures in his career, including family, director Ryan Coogler—who had previously won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay that evening—and his co-stars Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. “I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” he stated passionately. This acknowledgment of Black actors who paved the way for him highlighted not only his personal journey but also the significance of representation in Hollywood.
Jordan’s heartfelt remarks extended to his supporters, as he recognised those who believed in his potential throughout his career, saying, “I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me.” This resonated with a diverse audience that has followed his ascent in the film industry.
Looking ahead, Jordan is set to direct and star in a remake of the classic 1968 film “The Thomas Crown Affair”, which promises to showcase his talents both in front of and behind the camera. Meanwhile, DiCaprio, now 51, is currently in production for “What Happens at Night”, yet another collaboration with esteemed director Martin Scorsese, involving a mysterious narrative set in a snowy European locale.
The Academy Awards this year not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored a broader narrative of growth and progress within the film industry, particularly for actors of colour. The emotional connection displayed between DiCaprio and Jordan serves as a reminder of the community and support that artists find in each other amidst the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
As both actors continue their respective careers, their shared moment at the Oscars will likely be remembered as a symbol of friendship and mutual recognition within a challenging industry. With Jordan’s electrifying performance and DiCaprio’s consistent excellence, audiences are sure to look forward to their future projects and contributions to cinema. Further, their embrace serves to inspire the next generation of actors, highlighting the importance of support, collaboration, and acknowledgment of those who came before.