The SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards recently took place, setting the stage for the upcoming Oscars just days away. Among the night’s highlights was the unexpected win in the Male Actor in a Leading Role category, where Michael B. Jordan emerged victorious over contenders like Timothée Chalamet and Wagner Moura. Jordan, 39, accepted his award in a moment made even more memorable by the presenter, Viola Davis, whose reaction quickly captured widespread attention.
Viola Davis’ Memorable Celebration Goes Viral
As Davis handed Jordan the SAG-AFTRA trophy, her enthusiastic and joyful response became an instant sensation online, turning her celebratory gesture into a viral meme. The 60-year-old EGOT winner reflected on this moment in a recent interview, expressing her delight at its popularity.
“Me and my husband [actor and producer Julius Tennon] have been laughing for two days,”
Davis shared with Variety on March 10.
She praised Jordan’s talent and leadership, noting,
“Michael B. Jordan is an incredible human and an incredible leader. It’s extremely exciting what he’s going to become. Now he’s getting into directing, and he is going to bring African American filmmaking into a beautiful place.”
Viola Davis Ventures into Writing with James Patterson
Beyond the awards stage, Davis has expanded her creative pursuits by co-writing a legal thriller with bestselling author James Patterson. Their book, Judge Stone, revolves around a respected Black female circuit judge in a small Alabama town who must oversee a contentious case involving a teenage girl affected by a traumatic assault and an illegal abortion.
Davis described the collaboration as a natural connection, stating in a CBS News interview on March 8,
“Meeting, writing this book, I just liked him. We just connected.”
The Growing Influence of Viola Davis and Michael B. Jordan
Viola Davis’ rising visibility through both her viral reaction and creative projects highlights her continuing impact in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan’s transition from award-winning actor to emerging director signals a promising future, particularly in advancing African American storytelling on screen. As the awards season progresses, their achievements underline significant cultural contributions and evolving roles within Hollywood.
