Jaafar Jackson’s Awards Sweep Continues as ‘Michael’ Star Wins Three More Trophies

Jaafar Jackson’s foray into acting began with an unexpected phone call, and since then, his remarkable journey has only continued to unfold. The 29-year-old, who had no formal training or prior interest in acting, was approached by producer Graham King to portray his uncle, Michael Jackson, on screen.

By the time Jaafar secured the role, he had dedicated years to working with acting coaches and Michael’s choreographers, preparing for a part that would challenge even seasoned actors. At the film’s Los Angeles premiere, he shared with Extra that the experience of finally bringing that preparation to life was unparalleled, calling it a defining moment in his career.

This hard work has now culminated in an impressive awards sweep. Jaafar won Best Actor at the 2026 Astra Midseason Movie Awards, triumphing over notable contenders like Chiwetel Ejiofor for ‘Backrooms,’ Ralph Fiennes for ’28 Years Later, The Bone Temple,’ and Ryan Gosling for ‘Project Hail Mary,’ who was the runner-up.

Just two days later, Jaafar added two more accolades at the National Film Awards UK, winning both Outstanding Performance and Best Newcomer for his role in ‘Michael.’ The fact that these awards are determined by public voting highlights the strong connection audiences have felt towards his performance, beyond just the opinions of industry insiders.

The film’s production team also celebrated success that evening, with Graham King, John Branca, Prince Jackson, and John McClain winning Best Producer for their efforts in bringing ‘Michael’ to life. This marked the third award of the night associated with the film, emphasizing its significant impact since its release.

Jaafar’s recognition was far from guaranteed, considering his lack of acting experience prior to landing the role. His only previous screen credit was a cameo on the 2015 reality series ‘The Jacksons, Next Generation,’ making the transition to headlining a major studio biopic a considerable risk for everyone involved.

King, known for producing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ has remarked on how unconventional Jaafar’s path to the role was, as he bypassed a traditional audition and instead sent King a voice note of himself embodying Michael. This bold move proved to be a gamble that paid off, leading to years of intensive coaching before Jaafar was officially cast.

Beyond Jaafar’s individual accolades, ‘Michael’ has emerged as a standout box office success this year, recently surpassing “Oppenheimer” to become the highest-grossing biopic in film history. This commercial triumph has coincided with its awards momentum, providing both box office validation and increasing industry recognition.

Jaafar’s performance has already earned him a nomination for Best Actor from the Hollywood Creative Alliance, well ahead of the traditional fall campaign season. This early recognition suggests that awards observers are taking his chances seriously as the major ceremonies approach later this year. Whether this momentum translates into nominations from the Golden Globes or other significant bodies remains to be seen, but this initial success offers a strong foundation for any first-time actor.

For someone who once aspired to be a professional golfer instead of an actor, witnessing his uncle’s story unfold through his own performance has clearly held deep personal significance. This authenticity seems to resonate strongly with both audiences and voters alike.

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