Without a doubt, 2013 definitely belongs to actor Michael B. Jordan (of no relation to the basketball icon Michael Jordan). Perhaps one of Hollywood’s biggest crimes is not putting the talented 26-year-old star in the limelight sooner.

A true Renaissance man, Michael Bakari Jordan has proved his undeniable acting chops time and time again. However, it was not until this summer that the rest of the world took notice of him. His breakout role was Oscar Grant in “Fruitvale Station,” written and directed by USC alum, Ryan Coogler.

Based off a true story, “Fruitvale Station” chronicles the last 24 hours of Oscar Grant’s life. In 2009, San Francisco’s BART transit police unjustly murdered Grant on New Year’s Eve – his murder provoking protests and conversations about police brutality towards African-Americans around the country.

The horrid incident was caught on video, but it was this past summer that the independent film (A Sundance and Cannes Film Festival winner) was picked up by the Weinstein Company and shown in theaters around the country. Watch the film's trailer below. 

To prepare for the role, Jordan spent time with Oscar’s family and friends to learn more about the 22 year-old Oscar – a father, son, brother, and friend. Jordan’s dedication to portraying a real Oscar Grant definitely showed onscreen. Unlike most movies that tell the story of a life gone too soon, "Fruitvale" doesn’t polarize the deceased, portraying them as either a perfect or despicable character.  

Together, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan depict Grant as a human being – a man with flaws and regrets, but also a person with dreams of a better future, trying to turn his life around.  

Rumors have been floating around of possible Academy Award Nominations for Jordan, but he remains humble throughout it all.

“Fruitvale Station” might be Jordan’s big break, but the young actor is not new to Hollywood. Jordan has acted in two of the biggest television dramas of our time, HBO’s “The Wire,” and “Friday Night Lights.” He also had a recurring role in season 3 of “Parenthood.”

In 2012, he played Steve Montgomery in the film “Chronicle,” a movie following three teens who gain supernatural powers after being exposed to an unknown substance.  

Next year, you can catch the actor starring alongside Zac Efron in the fun rom-com, “That Awkward Moment.” There’s also rumors that he’ll be playing the Human Torch in an upcoming superhero movie.  

It’s nice to see that Michael B. Jordan is finally getting the shine that he deserves. He’s talented, smart, funny, and not to mention he’s appealing to the eyes.  

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Baker here.