Jaafar Jackson’s ‘Michael’ Performance Earns Early Awards Nominations Ahead of Season

Although awards season is still months away, Jaafar Jackson is already garnering nominations for his role as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael.’ The excitement surrounding his performance is building significantly, and he has now received his second recognition even before the traditional fall campaign season kicks off.

The Hollywood Creative Alliance has nominated Jackson for Best Actor at the 2026 Astra Midseason Movie Awards, which celebrate the best films from the first half of the year. He is up against Chiwetel Ejiofor for ‘Backrooms,’ Leo Woodall for ‘Tuner,’ Ralph Fiennes for ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,’ Robert Pattinson for ‘The Drama,’ and Ryan Gosling for ‘Project Hail Mary,’ with winners to be announced on June 30.

Colman Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson in the biopic, also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the same event, indicating that the film is recognized in multiple acting categories despite not being nominated for Best Picture. This reflects a broader trend in how industry experts have perceived ‘Michael,’ with widespread acclaim for the performances contrasted by mixed reactions to the film itself.

Jaafar, the son of Jermaine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s nephew, underwent a two-year casting process before being confirmed for the lead role in December 2023. His grandmother, Katherine Jackson, publicly endorsed the casting, stating that he embodies her son. While the film has received mixed reviews overall, Jackson’s individual performance has been highly praised by critics.

Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman highlighted Jackson’s performance, noting that he captures Michael’s “tentative high sugary voice just right” while illustrating how that iconic personality evolved over time. The consensus among reviewers is that, regardless of opinions on the screenplay, the central performance stands out as the film’s most undeniable strength.

Awards analysts are pointing to the Golden Globes as a likely early platform for Jackson’s campaign, believing that the physically commanding star turn he delivers in the film’s recreation of the ‘Bad’ World Tour has historically resonated with awards bodies, even when the surrounding film receives mixed reviews.

With ‘Michael’ nearing $1 billion globally and a sequel already in the works, the cultural moment surrounding this film shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year, Jackson was also honored with the key to the city of Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson’s birthplace, during a ceremony as part of the film’s promotional efforts. By the time the formal awards season arrives later this year, his name is likely to be one of the most recognized on any shortlist.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!