Michael B. Jordan will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival for his acclaimed dual role in “The Sinner.”
Jordan will be recognized on February 12, 2026 for drawing the twin brothers smoke and stacks at Warner Bros. This is the fifth collaboration with director Ryan Coogler, a drama from his time in depression. Set in Jim Crow South, the film is hailed as a cultural and box office juggernaut with over $366 million worldwide.
“I’ve been a stubborn Michael B. Jordan fan since my days on “The Wire,” but now he’s a genuine box office star who has two of the most complicated performances of the year with “Sinner,” says Roger Darling, executive director of Sviv. “He does an incredibly subtle job creating two specific characters that his brothers will smoke and stack.
Jordan has become prominent on Fox’s “Friday Night Light” in his breakout role as Wallace in HBO’s “Wire.” His partnership with Coogler began at “Fruitsvale Station” and includes “Creed” and the record-breaking “Black Panther.”
Beyond acting, Jordan made his directorial debut with “Creed III.” This set the record for the opening weekend of sports film’s best growth. He then directs, produces and stars by rethinking “The Thomas Crown Affair” by Amazon MGM Studios. Through his production banner, Outlier Society, Jordan leads projects and leading philanthropy, including The Outlier Society Fellowship and HBCU Legacy Classic.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award recognizes actors who have delivered exceptional performances. Previous winners include Cate Blanchett, Rami Malek, Viola Davis, Margot Robbie, Will Smith and Heath Ledger.
The 41st edition of the festival will be held from February 4th to 14th, 2026.
