At the 39th American Cinematheque Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on November 20th, Ben Affleck shared a heartfelt account of his friendship and "bromance" with Michael B. Jordan. Surrounded by luminaries such as Ryan Coogler, Tessa Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Bradley Cooper, Phylicia Rashad, Daniel Kaluuya, and himself, Affleck honored the 38-year-old actor in a speech that was both poignant and personal.
The 53-year-old actor recounted his first encounter with Jordan's groundbreaking true-story drama Fruitvale Station in 2013, admitting that the young actor's brilliant performance had left him in awe and labeled it a "life-changing movie." Affleck believed in Jordan's enormous potential as a movie star and reached out to him, expressing his confidence in Jordan's "giant career ahead."
"I would be honored if he would want to sit down and talk to me sometime," Affleck said with excitement, grateful for the "front-row seat" he's had to witness Jordan's immense talent. He also praised Jordan for his "grace and aplomb" in handling his career, stating that it has been "one of the great joys" of his own career.
Affleck further commended Jordan for his "profound goodness" and "amazing work ethic," as well as his emergence as an extraordinary director, producer, and on-screen powerhouse. Concluding his speech on a warm and heartfelt note, Affleck raised a toast to their friendship and "bromance," saying, "Your friendship has meant an enormous amount to me, probably more than you know, and it has been truly one of the great, great, wonderful gifts that this opportunity here has given me."
