Jonathan Majors was honored with the “Perseverance Award” at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on Friday night in Beverly Hills. The actor, who faced significant challenges following his conviction for domestic assault and harassment last year, delivered an emotional acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience.
Majors, who received a standing ovation, acknowledged his imperfections and the hurdles he has faced. “I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings — I acknowledge them,” he said tearfully after being presented with the award by self-help guru Iyanla Vanzant. The ceremony featured a sizzle reel showcasing both the highs and lows of Majors’ career, from his acclaimed roles in “Creed III” and “Lovecraft Country” to his recent legal troubles.
Majors’ legal issues began with his arrest in March 2023, followed by a 19-day trial in April, which resulted in a sentence of one year of domestic violence counseling. Reflecting on his journey, Majors stated, “Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay.”
Despite the controversy, Majors has found support within the industry. He expressed gratitude to individuals like Will Smith, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, and his “Lovecraft Country” co-star Courtney B. Vance for their unwavering support. He also thanked his family, particularly his mother, sisters, daughter, and girlfriend Meagan Good, who was present at the event.
Majors’ career faced significant setbacks following his conviction. He was dropped from his role as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and from other upcoming projects, including a film where he was set to portray Dennis Rodman. His manager at Entertainment 360 and his publicity firm, the Lede Company, also parted ways with him. However, Majors has recently secured the lead role in Martin Villeneuve’s revenge thriller “Merciless,” marking his first new project since the conviction.
During his speech, Majors emphasized the importance of support and community. “There will be moments in your life where things get dark, and I mean really dark. … I’ve seen that darkness in myself,” he said. “I’ve sat in that pitch black and what I’ve learned is that when you catch a glimpse of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it.”
Majors concluded his heartfelt speech by addressing his daughter, saying, “Your father loves you,” before leaving the stage to another standing ovation.
Source: Reuters, The Hollywood Reporter
