Michael B. Jordan celebrates Oscar win with late-night burger run

The Academy Awards are arguably the highest acclaim that an artist or technician can achieve in the industry of film.

Michael B. Jordan captured the ultimate prize for a male actor, the Oscar®. And then he went to a fast food joint. This balance of the greatest accolade in Hollywood history with simple expression of hunger not for a role but for a burger, ranks Jordan as one of the best people in the business.

Not because he’s humble but the fact is he’s comfortable. He knows what it’s like to not have the fortune and fame and when he attained then, he remained true to himself. As only the sixth man of color in the nearly one hundred years of the Awards, he adds himself to a tight group of black men.

His acting chops signalled that he would be a magnificent star even on daytime soaps or the drug soaked drama of The Wire. He has positioned himself in the company of the greatest actors, white, black or otherwise.

His performance as twin brothers, holds Jamie Foxx, should warrant him two Oscars.

This is the dilemma of what has gone on since the Oscars® inception. Blacks, including Jordan, have to be that much more expressive, reserved, and timely than their counterparts.

If Jordan wanted to celebrate with a burger, that’s his prerogative. He didn’t do it out of modesty, he did it because he wanted to show that it's simple to be an actor. He doesn’t have to worry about being knocked out of contention ever again. If he wants another Oscar® then he’ll work for it.

The late-night fast food run showed that he wished to have a toned down sense of joy, even if paparazzi surrounded him as he took bites from his sandwich.

The powerful performance he delivers in Sinners is so electrically charged that it should be a masterclass in how to play dual roles and sometimes dueling roles. The way Jordan slips through scenes as both Smoke and Stack is a timeless classic that should be studied for centuries to come.

As he waited for the engraving of his statuette, he remained cool and accepted praise from those milling about backstage. His even demeanor gave him the chance to engage with them instead of shunning all those who wished to show their gratitude and honor.

If he stays selfish and confident as he is, he’ll go even further in this business of show. He has the opportunity to broadcast his talents on the biggest stage. For all the thank yous and acknowledgements he gave out, they all came back to him in congratulations.

The power of the screen resonates with his ability in front of a camera. And his ability to just sit down and have a burger will be legendary down the years. Did he pop champagne? Did he indulge in caviar? Maybe later in the comfort of his own home. Rather, he decided to chomp on a fast food sandwich, his freshly engraved statuette standing right beside his meal.

It looked like it stood guard over his platter. He must’ve felt cozy knowing that the esteem was self-esteem and that the power behind his capabilities was driven by his knowledge of the game and how to play it. His link to director Ryan Coogler ensured that he would have the chance to realize his dream role and declare that he is the best.

Their union took on a greatness when Coogler first pointed a camera in Jordan’s direction. While it took a few films to get here, it was all worth it in the end.