“I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I’ve admired the Academy and the other actors in the movies and filmmakers that I’ve looked up to and been inspired by my whole life,” Jordan says. “To be in those conversations and in that company is a solidifying feeling.”

Jordan’s is one of 16 nominations for Sinners—the most any movie has received in Oscar history.

Ryan Coggler, with whom Jordan has been collaborating for 15 years, is nominated for his directing, writing and producing (for best picture).  It’s a staggering showing, which Jordan sees as true affirmation.

How has the morning been?

I did not get up at 5:30, I slept. I’m in the edit now on Thomas Crown Affair, so I wanted to just wake up to whatever I was going to wake up to — and that was a lot of love and affection. To be acknowledged in this way, it is truly an honor, and it is crazy.

Honestly still digesting it all. It’s really a testament to the film as a whole and all the pieces involved and the people that went to go see this movie. It meant something to them and they felt something — to see how it resonated throughout the year with people. For all of these pieces to be singled out and honored with nomination. it’s something that’s really hard to put into words right now.

My mom was my first call. It was great. A lot of tears and the reason why I’m even in this industry and why I’m acting at all. To talk to the woman who started it all first meant the world.

I’m sure Ryan is doing his phone calls right now, so we missed each other. We called each other back and forth, so I’m going to connect with him pretty soon too.

Your first nomination, and also for costars Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo

Woo! Yeah, so happy for Delroy. So happy for Wunmi. I’m so incredibly happy for Coog and everybody else, but Delroy, Wunmi — I couldn’t be happier for them.

It’s actually a really great year as far as people bouncing back to theaters post-pandemic. These numbers and the turnout for these movies has been telling that the artists, given the opportunity and the chance and the space and the support, can deliver on cinematic experiences that bring people back to the cinema. Just to be part of that movement feels great.

Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy and Warner and Zaslav supported Coog’s vision and took a swing with us in a big way. Having that pay off? The journey has been a fierce and swift one. You focus on building that house and people will come.

Celebration plans today?

I’m going right to the edit.  I’m getting ready. I’ll take some time tonight to just really reflect. I mean, I don’t even know. There will be signs of celebration.