Just six months ago, Jonathan Majors was convicted of domestic violence and harassment, yet Hollywood Unlocked still presented him with their “Perseverance Award” at their annual Impact Awards in Beverly Hills on Friday night.
“I’m imperfect. I have flaws. I accept that,” Majors said, fighting back tears at length after being presented with the award by self-improvement guru and inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant.
It was an emotional moment for the actor, who took to the stage following a short film capturing the “Creed III” and “Lovecraft Country” star’s career highs and personal lows, and was greeted with a standing ovation from the star-studded crowd, led by Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee.
Majors, who denied the allegations throughout his 19-day trial, was ordered in April to undergo a year of domestic violence counseling, and a New York judge ruled that he must complete a 52-week in-person program in Los Angeles, where he currently resides.
Onstage at the awards ceremony, Majors shed tears as she recounted the experience.
“What does patience mean?” he said. “Patience is continuing to do something despite difficulties and delays, and the God I serve has put me in a position where I have to embody that word more than I could ever hope or desire.”
He continued, “We live in a world where men, especially black men, are elevated as either superheroes or supervillains, and I’ve realized that I, personally, am neither of those things. … I’m just a man whose faith has been tested, and my faith has been strengthened by this testimony.”
The legal troubles have completely upended the burgeoning actor’s trajectory. Majors was set to star as Kang the Conqueror in the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after appearing in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania and Loki, but he dropped out of all future MCU films the day the ruling was announced. Other film roles, including a buzzy movie in which he’d play Dennis Rodman, also disappeared. Majors was released from his contract by his manager, Entertainment 360, and promotion firm Ledde Company following his arrest in March 2023. (He remains represented by talent agency WME.)
But in the spirit of “perseverance” suggested by the Hollywood Unlocked awards, it was announced Thursday that Majors has landed the lead role in Martin Villeneuve’s revenge thriller “Merciless,” his first new film since his conviction.
“There are moments in life when things get dark. Really dark. … I saw that darkness within myself,” he said. “I learned to sit in pitch darkness and when I see a glimpse of light, I run toward it as fast as I can, and I’ll never take that light for granted again.”
Majors then went on to thank everyone who has supported him during this difficult time, from his family (especially his mother, sister, young daughter and girlfriend Meagan Good, who was visibly emotional sitting in the audience) to Hollywood executives.
“For me, light came in a few ways. A text from my brother Will Smith in the middle of the night. Tyler Perry brought me life. He was the one who supported and loved people,” he said, also thanking David Oyelowo and his text group of black actors who support each other, and directors Deon and Roxanne Taylor for giving him a space in their production company.
His “Lovecraft Country” co-star Courtney B. Vance was also a strong supporting actor, as was Whoopi Goldberg, who stars in Good’s “Harlem” show; “She breathed a ray of wisdom, understanding and compassion into me and my queen,” Majors said. [Whoopi] It gives you an understanding of the support of the community. … They’re great people.”
Jonathan Majors, Meagan Good, and Jason Lee attend Hollywood Unlocked’s 4th Annual Impact Awards at the Beverly Hilton on June 21. Michael Buckner, Variety
That evening, Majors and Goode walked the red carpet holding hands, and he largely avoided interviews, choosing instead to speak onstage about his feelings. The awards show wasn’t Majors’ first Hollywood appearance since the controversy: in March, he attended the 7th annual AAFCA Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon with Goode, and the two walked the red carpet together at the NAACP Image Awards.
Tiffany Haddish returned as host of the fourth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Other honorees included Cardi B (Inspiration Award), Jasmine Crockett (Social Impact Award), civil rights lawyer Ben Crump (Community Award), designer Christian Louboutin (Innovation Award), Fat Joe (Culture Award), Da Brat and Jessica Harris Dupart (Spirit Award). There was no Perseverance Award recipient at the 2023 ceremony, but renowned actress and singer Jenifer Lewis received the award in 2022.
Majors concluded his speech with a call to action, saying the past few years have reminded us just how much of an impact we can have on others every day.
“Perseverance isn’t just about getting through the hard times,” he explained. “It’s about the people who inspire us, encourage us and support us. The fire, the light in our hearts, those people who sustain us when we feel like we can’t do any more. I accept this award not only as a thank you for my perseverance, but as a command to be there for others and help them when they are trying.”
But his final words were for his daughter: “I love you, Dad,” Majors said, choking back sobs as he left the stage to another standing ovation from the crowd.