Full Breakdown
Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long Open 2026 BET Awards, Celebrate Record-Breaking *Michael* Biopic
6/29/2026, 2:08:50 PM
Opening the Show and Honoring “Michael”
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Jaafar Jackson and Nia Long took the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to present the first award of the 2026 BET Awards. They introduced the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category, which was won by Leon Thomas, before thanking audiences for the success of the biographical film *Michael*. The ceremony aired live on BET and was simulcast on multiple affiliated channels.
Background & Context: Release and Reception of *Michael*
*Michael*, directed by Antoine Fuqua, premiered on April 24, 2026. The film dramatizes Michael Jackson’s early career with the Jackson 5 through the Bad World Tour era. Its release was accompanied by a broad promotional push that highlighted the film’s cultural relevance and its portrayal of the Jackson family.
Key Figures & Groups
Jaafar Jackson portrays his uncle Michael Jackson; Nia Long plays his mother Katherine Jackson. Supporting actors include Colman Domingo (Joseph Jackson), Miles Teller (John Branca), KeiLyn Durrel Jones (Bill Bray), Lauren Harrier (Suzanne de Passe), Joseph David-Jones (Jackie Jackson), and Mike Myers (Walter Yetnikoff). The ensemble was highlighted during the awards presentation.
Data & Statistics: Box-Office Milestones
Industry reports state that *Michael* earned $977.4 million worldwide, overtaking *Oppenheimer* ($975.8 million) to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time. The same data set also lists the film as the top-earning musical biopic, surpassing *Bohemian Rhapsody* ($911 million). The film achieved this within a 46-day theatrical window before moving to PVOD.
Official Statements & Responses
Jackson expressed gratitude for audience support, noting that theaters remained full and emphasizing the significance of the Jackson family’s legacy. Long reflected on her role as Katherine Jackson, describing the portrayal of grace as “quiet and still” and commending Jackson’s performance. The BET Awards organizers described the ceremony as a celebration of “multifaceted creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources report slightly different gross figures: $977.4 million versus $977 million. Both agree the film surpassed *Oppenheimer* and set a biopic record, but the precise total remains unverified. No source provides detailed demographic breakdowns of the audience or information on international market performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Jaafar Jackson, 2026 BET Awards
- “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.” — Nia Long, 2026 BET Awards
- “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,” — Jaafar Jackson, Instagram, June 28 2026
- “multifaceted creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports.” — BET Awards promotional description
What’s Next
The ceremony will continue with further category presentations, including Album of the Year and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Social media commentary following the event highlighted anticipation for potential Oscar-season recognition of *Michael*.
