Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long took the stage at the 2026 BET Awards to present the opening award and celebrate the breakout success of their film "Michael." The pair expressed gratitude for audience support, with Jackson telling the crowd, "We're so grateful for the love you all showed to our movie."
Long offered particular praise for Jackson's performance as Michael Jackson. "It was a joy watching you transform into your uncle right before our eyes," she told him on stage, acknowledging the actor's commitment to embodying the King of Pop. The moment marked a public validation of Jackson's acclaimed turn in the biopic, which has resonated with audiences and helped establish the young actor as a serious dramatic talent.
"Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua, arrived as one of the year's most anticipated films, tasked with capturing the life and legacy of pop culture's most polarizing figure. Jaafar Jackson, a relative newcomer to film, delivered a performance that earned widespread recognition. The casting of Jackson, a member of the extended Jackson family, added layers of authenticity and personal connection to the project, though it also carried the weight of expectation.
The BET Awards appearance underscored how thoroughly "Michael" connected with audiences, particularly those invested in Black cinema and the Jackson family's enduring cultural influence. Long, best known for her work on "Big Little Lies" and her extensive television career, brought established prestige to the project alongside Jackson's fresh energy.
Peacock's investment in the film reflected streamers' broader push into theatrical releases and high-profile prestige projects. The platform positioned "Michael" as an event film, banking on both the Jackson name and the critical acclaim Jackson Jr.'s performance garnered.
The BET Awards moment served as recognition that Jackson has successfully graduated from reality television expectations to genuine dramatic acting. For Long, it reinforced her