Michael B. Jordan Says ‘Sinners’ Twins Look Like Him and Ryan Coogler

Michael B.Jordan recently obtained its very first Oscar nomination for his dual role in the commercial and critical success “Sinners”. The actor just revealed that the twins at the center of the vampire drama look a lot like himself and the film’s director, and multiple Oscar nominee, Ryan Coogler.

Jordan plays twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, known as the Smokestack twins, but he shared an interesting fact about the similarities between the characters and the actor-director duo.

By PEOPLEWhile speaking at the Palm Springs Film Festival where he received the Icon Award for his performance in “Sinners,” Jordan took time during his acceptance speech to thank Coogler and offer a heartwarming tribute that went back to the film.

“Like Smoke and Stack, we’re two sides of the same coin,” Jordan said of the connection between the two that dates back to Coogler’s 2012 feature debut, “Fruitvale Station.”

The “Black Panther” star went on to add, “We’ve built something special together, film after film. You push me, I push you. And together, we make work that neither of us could do alone. You give me room to take risks, and I bring everything I have to your vision. ‘Sinners’ is proof.”

Elsewhere in his speech, Jordan expressed his gratitude for receiving this honor which was presented to him by Colman Domingo.

“It feels good to be here among friends and colleagues, in a room full of people committed to creating art and amplifying voices, cultures and the power of cinema,” he said. “This film reminds us of what is possible when great artists come together and have the freedom to create with their souls.”

Shortly after learning he was officially nominated for an Oscar, Jordan spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about what he did as soon as he received the news.

“My mom was my first call,” he told the outlet earlier this month. “It was awesome. Lots of tears and why I’m even in this industry and why I’m acting at all – why this was even an idea. Talking to the woman who started it all meant everything.”

Addressing the massive success of “Sinners,” which set numerous box office records, Jordan noted that the film resonated with audiences.

“It’s really a testament to the movie as a whole and all the pieces involved and the people who went to this movie and watched it,” he said.

Talk with Deadline After it was revealed that “Sinners” broke the record for most nominations for a film of all time with 16, Coogler told the outlet that the recognition was unexpected and “pretty crazy.” The previous record was set 10 years ago by “La La Land” in 2016.

“I had no expectations that they would be recognized for what they had received. [the team] “I did it,” Coogler exclusively told the outlet. “For me, people who just come to the cinema and have a good time, that would have been enough. It’s worth all the effort. But these people would consider the craft and the achievements associated with it individually. It’s so rewarding.

The director also shared his enthusiasm for Jordan, their 13-year friendship and their collaboration on films, including the “Creed” franchise.

“To see him get this recognition from his peers, it’s just the best feeling ever. We feel really, really, really happy that they said yes to the project, first of all, and happy for them,” Coogler said.

Continuing his praise for his performance in “Sinners,” Jordan was recently named Nominated 2026 for the BAFTA Awardswhen the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced this year’s winners on Tuesday (January 27).