Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long are proud of their blockbuster movie.
On Sunday, June 28, the 29-year-old American actor, joined by his 55-year-old costar on stage, expressed gratitude after their biopic, Michael , made history with a thrilling achievement.
The movie, based on the life of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, outshined Oppenheimer by becoming highest-grossing biopic of all time with $977 million gross collection, reported Variety on Sunday, June 28.
Taking the stage alongside Nia Long to present the Best Male R&B/ Pop Artist award, Jaafar took a moment to send a special message to fans for showing love and support to the movie before announcing the winner.
Speaking to the audience at the Peacock Theater, the Got Me Singing crooner said, “We’re so grateful for the love you all showed to our movie. You guys have the theaters packed. We’re truly so humbled. Your support means the world to the Jackson family.”
Nia Long, who won hearts with her portrayal of Katherine Jackson (Michael Jackson’s mother) in the film, paid a heartfelt tribute to both the Jackson family and Jaafar Jackson.
“Portraying Katherine Jackson reminded me that grace is quiet and still, and tonight we honor that. Jaafar, it was an honor watching you transform into your uncle right before our eyes,” she said.
The duo then announced the winner for Best Male R&B/ Pop Artist award, which was won by Leon Thomas.
Fans react to Jaafar Jackson’s message
On an Instagram post featuring a clip from the BET Awards 2026, showing Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long on stage, a user commented, “Now I’m just waiting for them to get the Oscar.”
“Can't wait to see these two again in the Michael biopic sequel film!” wrote a second.
A third praised, “So glad that this movie (and Jaafar) are getting the recognition they deserve! This film and Jaafar did the most phenomenal job telling Michael's story.”
About Michael
Released on April 24, 2026, Michael is a biographical movie based on the early life of Michael Jackson, covering his childhood with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to the Bad World Tour in the late 1980s.
Michael cast
The ensemble cast of Michael includes Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Joseph David-Jones, and Jessica Sula.
Michael becomes highest-grossing biopic of all time
On Sunday, June 28, Variety reported that Jaafar Jackson starring Michael created box office history by grossing $977 million globally, surpassing Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer, which collected a net total of $975 million.
The movie has also been ranked as the biggest musical biopic of all time, outshining 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, whose worldwide collection was recorded $911 million.
Taking to his official Instagram handle, Jaafar Jackson posted a carousel of rare behind-the-scenes glimpses as he expressed his feelings over the record-breaking milestone.
“Highest grossing Biopic of ALL TIME Wow!! Thank you all so much. This record, this accomplishment. It was a dream goal of mine for this film and you all made it real. And I promise you Michael is up there absolutely grinning about this. This one’s for him,” he wrote.
BET Awards 2026 winners
Some of the winners who took home the prestigious BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, include Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out (Album of the Year), Kehlani (Best Female R&B/ Pop Artist), Leon Thomas (Best Male R&B/ Pop Artist), Cardi B (Best Female Hip Hop Artist), Kendrick Lamar (Best Male Hip Hop Artist), Clipse (Best Group), Olivia Dean (Best New Artist), and Sinners (Best Movie).
