Actor Jonathan Majors was honored with the “Perseverance Award” at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on Friday night in Beverly Hills, just six months after his conviction for domestic assault and harassment. Majors, who received a standing ovation from the audience, delivered an emotional acceptance speech acknowledging his imperfections and the challenges he has faced.
“I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings — I acknowledge them,” Majors said, tearfully addressing the crowd after being presented with the award by self-help guru Iyanla Vanzant. The ceremony included a sizzle reel highlighting both the highs and lows of Majors’ career, from his roles in “Creed III” and “Lovecraft Country” to his recent legal troubles.
Majors’ legal issues began with his March 2023 arrest, followed by a 19-day trial in April, where he was sentenced to one year of domestic violence counseling. According to court documents, Majors must complete a 52-week, in-person program in Los Angeles. Reflecting on his experience, Majors stated, “Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay.”
Despite the controversy, Majors has continued to find support within the industry. He thanked various individuals, including Will Smith, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, and his “Lovecraft Country” co-star Courtney B. Vance, for their support during difficult times. He also expressed gratitude to 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,” his first new project since the conviction.
During his speech, Majors spoke about 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 speech by addressing his daughter, saying, “Your father loves you,” before leaving the stage to another standing ovation.
