Michael B. Jordan Gets Emotional Recalling "Fruitvale Station" Standing Ovation At Cannes

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“Creed III" European Premiere – Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michael B. Jordan attends the "Creed III" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
During an interview, Jordan recalled the impact of the film and shed a few tears remembering being on the phone with Oscar Grant's mother.

We're in the thick of another season for Michael B. Jordan as the acclaimed actor's latest film, Creed III, is on the horizon. This installment not only stars Jordan once again as the lead character, but he also helmed the director's chair. Just yesterday, the final Creed III trailer was shared ahead of the film's March 3 release, and Rolling Stone returned with a new interview with the filmmaker. Jordan told the outlet that the movie was "deeply personal."

This was “a way for me to share a piece of myself with the world.” Jordan added, “I’m always willing to prove myself. When you come from where I come from, and everybody doesn’t get those opportunities and breaks — that luck, or whatever — you start to question why you’re getting the things that you get. Why am I successful in life? Or why did I go this way, and everybody went that way? That builds up on you after a while.”

“Creed III" European Premiere – Arrivals
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson attend the "Creed III" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Read More: Michael B Jordan Thinks He Can Take Roy Jones Jr., & The Veteran Boxer Responds

Elsewhere, the actor speaks on his fears, admitting that "being forgotten" is "a big one." He shared a story of a childhood best friend who passed away years ago. It was the friend's birthday, and Jordan realized he had forgotten about it. “I didn’t call his family on that day, I didn’t take time during that whole day to remember that it was my best friend’s f*cking birthday. His birthday. To pass away, bro. And I felt like the biggest piece of sh*t ever. And I felt … f*ck. If I … like, if somebody I hold so dearly, I can forget when their birthday was … what the f*ck they gonna do about me?”

Jordan is failing to recognize the impact of his roles, at least in this instance. When questioned about his favorite role, Jordan shared a story about Fruitvale Station being shown at Cannes in France. He portrayed the real-life Oscar Grant III, a young man from the Bay Area who was killed by police. The controversy sparked a movement, and the Cannes audience's reaction took Jordan by surprise. There were concerns that audiences in France wouldn't connect with the film. Jordan teared up retelling his experience after the movie screening, and the crowd gave a 10-minute standing ovation.

Read More: Michael B Jordan & Ryan Coogler Talk The Importance Of Black Films

“Motherf*ckers standing up for 10 minutes,” said the actor. “I didn’t know what the fuck was going on. I was like, ‘Oh, sh*t. This is uncomfortable. Y’all could stop.’ Walking out into the hallway, they still clappin’, bro. I get chills thinking about it, it’s crazy.”

“Literally, from the time [the movie] ended, the applause didn’t stop until I got on the f*cking … back on the red carpet outside. Getting into the car, it was starting to rain. And people are still on the windows. As I’m calling Oscar’s mom on the phone, telling Wanda we just f*cking …” Jordan took a pause as he began to tear up. “Like, it’s something like …” He is without words for a moment. “I never thought a n*gga from North Jersey’d be able to have that impact.”

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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