Will Smith is ‘happy’ after Michael B. Jordan’s 2026 Oscars shoutout

Four years after his onstage clash with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith is “happy” to be positively mentioned following Michael B. Jordan’s 2026 Best Actor win.

During the March 15 ceremony, Sinners actor made sure to pay tribute to Will Smith and other past Black Oscar winners as he made his acceptance speech after winning the Oscar.

“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” he said in his speech, describing past Black winners as “those giants, those great giants.”

After the event, a film source close to Smith told PEOPLE that, “Will was very happy to hear his name mentioned during Michael’s Oscar speech.”

“Having someone so talented — who just won this incredible Oscar — mention him at that time was awesome for him,” the insider added.

The source also noted that Jordan’s shout-out “made Will feel good on its own, but even more so to be included with the other top actors mentioned.”

Another insider noted that the mention carried added weight for Smith, who is currently developing I Am Legend 2 with Jordan.

“Will and Michael have huge respect for each other’s talent,” the source said.

Smith also acknowledged Jordan publicly, sharing a congratulatory post on Instagram the following day that read, “CONGRATS, Beloved. Makin’ History!”