The cast and creative team behind Michael, the blockbuster biographical film about Michael Jackson, will receive the Gotham Musical Tribute at the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards on November 30, 2026, in New York City.
Announced on October 16 by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, the honour recognises the filmmakers and performers responsible for bringing Jackson’s life, music and legacy to the big screen. The ceremony will take place at Cipriani Wall Street.
The recipients include director Antoine Fuqua, lead actor Jaafar Jackson, actors Colman Domingo and Nia Long, and producer Graham King. The tribute recognises their collective work on a film that has grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing biographical film of all time.
Celebrating Michael Jackson’s Legacy on Film
Released in 2026, Michael follows Jackson’s journey from his early years as the lead performer in the Jackson Five to his rise as one of the most influential entertainers in music history.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, takes on the leading role, portraying the singer across different stages of his life and career. The film also features Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller and Juliano Krue Valdi.
Written by John Logan and directed by Fuqua, the film brings Jackson’s music and performances to the screen while exploring the story behind his rise to global fame.
Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute, said the award recognises the cast and filmmakers for bringing Jackson’s “life, legend, and music” to the screen, adding that their work captures the humanity behind the global music icon.
A Major Milestone for the
Michael
Biopic
The Gotham recognition follows the film’s extraordinary box-office performance. With worldwide earnings exceeding $1 billion, Michael has become the first biographical film to reach that milestone and the highest-grossing biopic of all time.
The film’s commercial success has also helped extend interest in Jackson’s story to a new generation of viewers, while bringing his music and career back into wider public conversation.
A sequel is already in development, although further details about its production and release have not been confirmed in the Gotham announcement.
What Else to Expect at the Gotham Awards
The Gotham Musical Tribute was introduced in 2025, when Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson received the inaugural honour for Song Sung Blue. This year’s presentation to the Michael team marks the award’s second edition.
Other special honours at the 2026 ceremony include the Gotham Director Tribute for Danny Boyle for Ink, the Gotham Vanguard Tribute for La Bola Negra, and the Gotham Anniversary Tribute for animation studio LAIKA.
The nominees for the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards are scheduled to be announced on October 27, ahead of the November 30 ceremony.
With its billion-dollar box-office milestone and a sequel in development, Michael continues to make an impact beyond the music world. The upcoming Gotham tribute will recognise the team behind the film and its portrayal of one of the most celebrated figures in popular music.
