Will Smith is reportedly in high spirits after being acknowledged during one of the biggest moments at the 2026 Academy Awards, even as he remains banned from attending the ceremony.
Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor Oscar on March 15 for his role in Sinners, marking a major milestone as he became the sixth Black actor in Hollywood history to win in the category. The emotional victory speech quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, not just for the win itself but for the names Jordan chose to honor.
During his speech, Jordan paid tribute to the Black actors who paved the way before him, including Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. The acknowledgment stood out given Smith’s ongoing 10-year ban from the Academy Awards following the widely publicized incident in 2022.
According to a source who spoke with People, Smith was “very happy” to hear his name mentioned on such a high-profile stage. The insider added that being recognized by someone as accomplished as Jordan, especially in that moment, meant a great deal to him. It was described as a meaningful and uplifting moment for the actor despite his absence from the ceremony.
Smith also publicly celebrated Jordan’s win on social media, sharing a photo of the actor holding his Oscar along with a short but enthusiastic message. “CONGRATS, Beloved. Makin’ History!” he wrote, signaling both admiration and pride.
Jordan’s win came after a competitive race that included nominees Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura. In his speech, he reflected on the legacy of those who came before him, calling them “giants” and expressing gratitude for the path they created. His words resonated across Hollywood, serving as both a tribute and a reminder of the progress still being made.
