A high-contrast cinematic stage performance film still from the 2026 movie Michael, showcasing Jaafar Jackson executing signature Michael Jackson choreography under bright spotlights.
Decked Out Originals (MJ Archive), THE SCREEN

‘Michael’ Dominates the National Film Awards UK with a Triple-Trophy Victory

  • The Big Sweep: Lionsgate’s smash-hit biographical drama, Michael, dominated the 2026 National Film Awards UK, walking away with three major trophies.
  • Double Winner: Breakout star Jaafar Jackson was the evening’s biggest individual winner, taking home awards for both Outstanding Performance and Best Newcomer for his feature film debut as his late uncle.

Again, it’s another day and another accomplishment for MICHAEL. On the same day it surpassed Walt Disney’s 1994 animated classic The Lion King at the box office, the film scored three major wins at the 2026 National Film Awards UK. This achievement follows Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo’s wins at the 2026 ASTRA Awards earlier this week. Because the National Film Awards UK are voted on entirely by the general public, the dominant multi-award victory stands as a direct reflection of the overwhelming grassroots support the movie continues to receive from global audiences.

RELATED: ‘Michael’ Officially Surpasses ‘The Lion King’ at the Global Box Office

Jaafar Jackson Steals the Show

The absolute highlight of the London awards ceremony belonged to lead actor Jaafar Jackson. In his very first feature film appearance, the young star captured two of the night’s highest honors:

  • Outstanding Performance: Awarded for his uncanny, emotionally resonant portrayal of Michael Jackson, which critics and fans alike have praised as a generation-defining performance.
  • Best Newcomer: Celebrating his transition to the silver screen and his incredible ability to carry a high-profile, near-billion-dollar global blockbuster entirely on his shoulders.

The dual-victory puts Jackson in rare territory, validating the intense vocal and physical preparation he underwent to accurately bring his uncle’s legacy to life.

Additional Wins

The celebration extended behind the scenes as well, as the public officially voted the masterminds behind Michael as the year’s Best Producers. Legendary producer Graham King, alongside Jackson’s son, Prince Jackson, John Branca and John McClain also secured victories. By prioritizing authenticity, backing a breakout lead actor, and creating a movie experience that resonates across generations, the production team has successfully turned a deeply personal family legacy into one of the most decorated and commercially dominant musical motion pictures in cinema history.

What’s Next?

Fans can now purchase or rent MICHAEL through major premium video-on-demand platforms, including digital storefronts such as Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. The digital release includes purchase options as well as rental access for viewers who want to revisit the story of the King of Pop from home. 

From there, Lionsgate will follow up the streaming debut with a premium physical rollout on July 14 (according to the Blu Ray website), introducing an array of Collector’s Edition 4K UHD Steelbooks at retail giants like Walmart and Amazon.

MICHAEL is now confirmed to be hitting the $1 billion mark.

Featured Photo: Lionsgate

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