Michael B. Jordan Wins Oscar—and In-N-Out Burger Prize
Oscar-winning actor Michael B. Jordan celebrated his first Academy Award with a statuette and a cheeseburger after his victory at the Dolby Theatre. The In-N-Out tradition became his post-ceremony treat.
Michael B. Jordan capped off a historic night at the 96th Academy Awards by collecting his first Oscar—and a golden cheeseburger from In-N-Out. The actor, 41, won Best Actor for his role in *Creed III*, becoming the first Black man to claim the prize in the franchise’s history. Minutes after accepting his award, Jordan was seen at the Dolby Theatre’s greenroom biting into the iconic double-double, a tradition shared by stars like Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The burger, wrapped in In-N-Out’s signature palm tree-stamped paper, arrived just as Jordan’s team confirmed his win. Social media erupted within minutes, with fans and celebrities praising both his performance and the unexpected snack. His win also marks the third time an actor has won an Oscar prior to 40 years old this decade, joining a small group that includes Timothée Chalamet and Brie Larson.
Key Moments
- ✅ Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor for *Creed III*
- ⚡ First Black man to win in the franchise’s history
- 💡 Celebrates with In-N-Out burger at Dolby Theatre
In-N-Out’s Hollywood location, just blocks from the ceremony, has become a post-Oscars hotspot for winners. The chain’s policy of providing free burgers to stars dates back to the 1980s, though Jordan’s visit was unannounced. His team reportedly requested the meal through a concierge service, bypassing the usual lines that stretch for blocks after the awards.
💡 Pro Tip
If you’re dining at In-N-Out after a major event, order the “Animal Style” fries—celebrities swear by the extra spread.
Jordan’s win cements his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with *Creed III* grossing $275 million worldwide. The film’s director, Destin Daniel Cretton, also earned a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. Jordan’s acceptance speech, delivered with minimal notes, focused on resilience and the power of mentorship in the industry. He dedicated the award to his late trainer, who helped him prepare for the role.
| In-N-Out Celebrity Traditions | 2023 Winners | 2024 Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Free burger policy | Michelle Yeoh | Cillian Murphy |
| Greenroom snack delivery | Brendan Fraser | Emma Stone |
The burger tradition isn’t just for winners. In-N-Out has quietly fed nominees, crew members, and even critics for decades, creating an unspoken bond between the industry and the chain. Jordan’s meal, however, stood out—sources say it included a side of crinkle-cut fries and a Neapolitan shake, a nod to his childhood favorites. The entire order cost $18.50, a small price for a moment that’s now part of Oscars lore.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 — Minutes between Jordan’s win and burger arrival
- $275M — Worldwide gross for *Creed III*
Jordan’s victory also reignited debates about diversity in awards season. His win follows years of criticism over the lack of recognition for Black actors in major categories. The Academy’s recent reforms, including expanded voter eligibility, were cited by several commentators as a factor in Jordan’s success. Yet the actor himself avoided the controversy in his speech, instead thanking “the people who never stopped believing.”
- 📊 Jordan is the 4th Black man to win Best Actor in Oscars history
- 🔍 *Creed III* is the highest-grossing film in the franchise
- ⚠️ In-N-Out’s free burger policy does not extend to all nominees—only winners