LeBron James has been one of the most vocal supporters of the film *Sinners* since its early days, consistently showing excitement for the project led by director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan. The film eventually became both a commercial and critical success, earning widespread praise and major accolades during the awards season.
### LeBron celebrates Michael B. Jordan’s historic Oscar win
When Jordan won the Best Actor award at the 98th Academy Awards, LeBron was among the first to celebrate publicly. The Los Angeles Lakers star took to Instagram, posting several stories congratulating his close friend. His excitement was clear through enthusiastic captions written in all capital letters, including a message that read, “CONGRATS MY GUY!”
James shared multiple posts acknowledging Jordan’s achievement. The actor received the prestigious award for portraying twin characters, Smoke and Stack, in *Sinners*. The performance marked a major milestone in Jordan’s career, as it brought him his first Academy Award.
Jordan’s victory came after competing against several prominent nominees, including Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura. Meanwhile, the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, also achieved success at the ceremony by winning the award for Best Original Screenplay.
### LeBron supported the film long before its release
LeBron’s enthusiasm for *Sinners* did not begin with the Oscar celebrations. He had been promoting the film since its early announcement stages. Back in September 2024, when the project’s release date was first revealed, the four-time NBA champion expressed his anticipation on social media, writing that he could not wait to see the movie and adding flame emojis to highlight his excitement.
When the film eventually premiered, the James family once again showed strong support for the project. LeBron and his wife, Savannah James, hosted a private screening at their home for family members and friends.
LeBron shared a photo from the event featuring himself and Savannah standing in front of a large poster for the film. The post gained enormous attention online, collecting more than 11.5 million views. In the message accompanying the photo, he praised both Coogler and Jordan for their work on the film.
James described the movie as an outstanding production and thanked the director for allowing him, his wife, and their loved ones to watch the film early. He encouraged fans to see it in theaters, giving it a perfect “10 out of 10” rating and calling it a must-watch experience.
### Praise for Ryan Coogler before the film’s debut
Even before the film premiered, LeBron had expressed admiration for Ryan Coogler’s work. During a joint interview with the director, the basketball star spoke about his respect for Coogler’s creative talent.
James explained that he had long been a fan of the filmmaker’s projects and appreciated their friendship. He emphasized the importance of supporting one another, highlighting the strong personal bond between them.
The success of *Sinners* at the Oscars was therefore particularly meaningful for LeBron, as it represented a major achievement for two people he considers close friends.
### Michael B. Jordan returns the admiration
The admiration between the two stars is mutual. Over the years, LeBron James and Michael B. Jordan have built a strong friendship and have frequently shown support for each other’s accomplishments.
Unlike the often-discussed rivalry comparisons between LeBron and Michael Jordan, the relationship between the Lakers superstar and the Hollywood actor has been defined by collaboration and mutual respect.
The pair even worked together on a lighthearted skit created for the NBA 75th Anniversary, celebrating the league’s history and its most influential figures.
### Jordan praises LeBron as the greatest athlete
Michael B. Jordan has also publicly spoken about his admiration for LeBron’s career. When asked to name the greatest athlete of all time across all sports, the actor did not hesitate to choose the Lakers forward.
Jordan explained that LeBron’s longevity and consistent excellence set him apart. According to him, James has maintained greatness for a remarkably long period and possesses the rare athletic ability that could have allowed him to succeed professionally in multiple sports.
### A friendship built on mutual success
The relationship between LeBron James and Michael B. Jordan reflects a strong connection built on respect and encouragement. Both men have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields—one dominating basketball, the other excelling in film—while continuing to support each other’s milestones.
Their friendship highlights how two influential figures from different industries can uplift each other’s achievements while continuing to inspire fans around the world.