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The Best Everyday Colognes in 2023 on November 14, 2023 at 5:00 am Us Weekly

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If you’re looking for a new everyday cologne for 2023, this guide is for you! Finding a new cologne can be a difficult task. You need to consider what type of scent you want and what level of quality you’re prepared to pay for. This can be easier said than done as there are hundreds of scents, and prices can range from under $100 to $500 or more!

To help you make a more informed decision on which cologne to purchase, we’ve put together this extensive guide. In it, we explain the layers of notes that make up the overall scent of each cologne, so you’ll get a good idea of what it smells like.

We’ve included top colognes from well-known brands such as Blu Atlas, Tom Ford, Chanel, and Hugo Boss to ensure the quality of each product. If you’re looking for a new everyday cologne for 2023, we’re sure one of the entries in this guide will be perfect for you.

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Let’s get started.

1. Blu Atlas Atlantis Eau De Parfum

Blu Atlas Atlantis tops our list of the best everyday colognes in 2023. Inspired by the unique sights and scents of the beautiful Island of Bali, the Blu Atlas team has produced a cologne that smells fresh and invigorating. Due to its quality, you can be sure it will last all day once applied in the morning!

The cologne is formulated with three distinct levels of notes that work magnificently together. The top notes of bergamot, lemon, and blackcurrant give it some zest while the mid notes of lavender, clary sage, peach, and apricot provide a fresh fruity middle. To bring the scent together, the base notes of orris, oak-moss, violet, ambrette seed, and musk give it a stunning woody masculine finish. If you’re seeking a fresh daily scent that inspires adventure, we recommend you try Blu Atlas Atlantis!

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2. Bvlgari Man in Black

Man in Black Eau de Parfum is among the best-selling colognes from top fashion label, Bvlgari. The scent was launched in 2014 and has gone on to become a favorite among men looking for a great everyday cologne that’s perfect for both work and play.

Man in Black is best described as leathery with a tinge of sweet spices. This is created by a magnificent formulation containing amber, spices, woods, sweet rum, hot tobacco, benzoin, tonka bean, and guaiac wood notes. The result is a luxurious and sophisticated aroma that’s deep and rich. This Bvlgari fragrance should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a new everyday cologne for 2023.

3. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

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Another top-notch, everyday men’s cologne that we love is Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. It’s the ideal option if you’re looking for a new daily scent because it’s a softer, more delicate fragrance that doesn’t make you stand out too much. You can spray a few drops on your wrists or behind your ears and head out for the day with the confidence that you smell great. Due to the high-quality nature of the product, you can be sure it will last all day.

The cologne is a blend of four exquisite elements that complement one another beautifully to produce a seductively manly scent. The rosemary, Sichuan pepper, and juicy mandarin create fresh fruity notes, while the American musk wood contributes a musky top note. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue comes in a variety of sizes and is quite reasonably priced considering the quality of the product. Go ahead and give it a try.

4. Lucky You Cologne for Men

Lucky You is a lovely natural cologne that’s perfect for anybody looking for a more earthy daily fragrance to add to their daily grooming routine. The tamarind, cardamom, and bamboo stem notes work great together to create a fresh scent that doesn’t overpower. You’ll smell like a cool summer breeze mixed with a hint of fruity spices.

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If this cologne sounds like the type of new scent you’d love to have, we recommend you pick up a bottle and try it out for yourself. Simply splash a few drops on your sweet points in the morning and you can be confident you’ll smell great all day.

5. Versace Eros for Men

The next entry on our list of the best everyday colognes in 2023 is Versace Eros for Men. Mint, lemon zest, green apple, vanilla, and geranium flower are blended to create a zesty yet masculine scent that’s appropriate for any situation. This makes it a great cologne to spray on in the morning when you head to work or at night when heading out on the town.

As you’d expect from a top luxury brand, Eros comes in a beautiful bottle with distinct Versace styling. It can be purchased in various sizes, so you can start by buying a little bottle and then purchase a larger one if you want to make it your permanent everyday fragrance. The cologne has been skilfully developed, tested, and polished to generate an exquisite scent that gives you a boost of self-confidence whenever you spray a drop or two on your wrists.

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6. Tom Ford For Men

The luxury brand Tom Ford sells a wonderful selection of colognes. One of their best is simply called Tom Ford for Men. Using citrus, wood, tobacco, and leather notes, they’ve produced a fragrance that we love. It’s a really classy fragrance that exudes masculinity. You’ll have a lovely scent when wearing it to the office, out to dinner, or any other occasion on your calendar.

You can tell the company takes great care to formulate high-quality products when you use them and this cologne is no different. You won’t be dissatisfied with a bottle of Tom Ford for Men if you want a scent that stays fresh all day. Go ahead and try it.

 

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7. Dolce & Gabbana Intenso

We love Intenso by Dolce & Gabbana. It’s a great cologne that’s perfect for men looking for a more masculine scent to add to their daily grooming routine. After applying some Intenso to your sweat points, you can leave for the day or night knowing that you’ll smell amazing for hours.

We love the unique profile of this cologne. Its top notes are earthy and aquatic, which are combined with a middle lavender note and base notes of tobacco, balsamic, honey, and wood musk. The outcome is a strong fragrance that smells absolutely fantastic any time of the day. You won’t regret purchasing a bottle of Dolce & Gabbana Intenso if you’re trying to expand your collection of fragrances.

8. Yves Saint Laurent Y

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We love Y by Yves Saint Laurent. It simply smells amazing. You’ll love the blend of bergamot, ginger, apple, sage, geranium, juniper berries, vetiver, cedar, tonka, amber wood, and olibanum notes. The list is long but each addition works amazingly together to create one of the best everyday colognes on the market.

Simply apply a few drops of Y by Yves Saint Laurent after your morning shower and you can go out feeling confident that you’ll smell great for the whole day even if you stay out late! We wholeheartedly recommend purchasing a bottle of Y if you’re seeking a new scent that works for any season.

9. Jimmy Choo Man Blue

Jimmy Choo Man Blue is a fantastic option if you want a classy scent that lasts all day. We adore this cologne’s crisp, sunny aroma. It has great sage and leather elements that combine to make a lovely, fresh cologne that remains masculine. After it’s applied, you’ll smell fantastic and walk with a zip in your step.

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Choose Jimmy Choo Man Blue if you want to smell fresh and breezy every day of the year. All you need to do is spritz a few drops after a shower and you’ll smell great for the whole day and night. If you’re looking for a new cologne to try, you can’t go wrong with this one. We’re confident you’ll love Jimmy Choo Man Blue!

10. Ralph Lauren Polo Blue

Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren is a superstar in the cologne market. The reason for this is simple. It smells great and is made to an exceptionally high standard. Ralph Lauren makes Polo Blue by blending a mix of notes including melon, basil, and washed suede. When combined, it creates a strong yet understated cologne that’s perfect to splash on for any occasion.

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue is great for any man looking for their first cologne or a fresh new scent to add to their collection. Go ahead and try it out for yourself. It’s sure to turn heads wherever you go, and with whoever you go with.

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11. Mont Blanc Legend Spirit

Legend Spirit is a reviving cologne from Mont Blanc. You’ll adore this special scent if a blend of grapefruit, cardamon, and cashmere wood sounds delicious to you. It’s the ideal scent to wear for work and play any time of the year. All you need to do is splash on a few drops and you can head out the door with the confidence that you smell great.

Available in many different-sized bottles, it’s a great cologne to sample, or you can stock up with a large bottle to ensure you have plenty of cologne for the whole year. It also happens to be sold at a great price that provides extraordinary value for money. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the scent and quality of Legend Spirit by Mont Blanc!

12. Chanel Bleu De Chanel

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Bleu De Chanel is a wonderful cologne made by luxury brand, Chanel. The cologne is formulated using a special blend of notes. These include woody, citrus, and herb notes that work together brilliantly to create a head-turning scent. The best part is no one note overpowers the other.

Coming from a top luxury brand, you can expect a high-quality cologne that lasts all day long. Simply apply a splash or two on your sweet points and you can confidently head out for a fun night with the special people in your life. Go ahead and pick up a bottle. You won’t be disappointed!

13. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

The next fragrance we’ve included on our list is this sophisticated cologne from Jean Paul Gaultier.  Le Male includes an alluring blend of bergamot, cardamom, orange blossom, and vanilla notes that smell as invigorating as a warm summer breeze. It’s a great cologne, which is why we’ve included it on our list of the best everyday colognes in 2023.

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We love how the musky wood notes work with the citrus and vanilla to create a beautiful scent that still manages to stay masculine. Simply splash some cologne onto your sweet points like your wrists or behind your ears and you’ll be all set to take on the world confident in the knowledge that you smell amazing. Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier can be bought in a few different-sized bottles and is available at an excellent price point when you consider how high its quality is.

14. Tom Ford Ombre Leather

This is the second cologne on our list produced by Tom Ford. Ombre Leather is fantastic. It smells magnificent and is made by combining jasmine, white moss, leather, patchouli, and amber. When worn, it emits a seductive aroma that lasts all day regardless of what’s on your calendar. Splash some on before going into the office or before heading out to an event. It’s perfect for all occasions.

It’s among the most expensive colognes on our list, but in our opinion, the extra cost is justified if you want a chic scent that makes you stand out from the crowd. The best way to find out if it’s the right everyday cologne for you is to pick up a bottle and splash it on the next time you head out for work or play. We’re sure you’ll love it.

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15. Burberry For Men

Burberry For Men is a luxurious everyday cologne. Made by the famous luxury brand, Burbery, you can expect a high-quality cologne that smells great and lasts the whole day. Only the best ingredients have been sourced to make this fabulous cologne.

The cologne has a warm masculine scent. Sandalwood, moss, and geranium notes are combined with amber, cedar wood, and tonka notes to produce a distinct fragrance that you’ll love to splash on daily. It’s one of the most elegant colognes on our list of the best everyday colognes.

16. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo

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Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profondo is a long-lasting, fragrant cologne with a unique scent that you’d expect from the luxury brand. We love the invigorating, earthy tones. Aqua, bergamot, and green mandarin are the most prominent top notes, while rosemary, lavender, cypress, and mastic make up the middle notes. Beautiful base notes of amber, mineral accord, patchouli, and musk round out the formulation. The end product is a stunning fragrance that’s sure to attract attention.

This cologne makes you smell fantastic all day long whether you’re going to the office, the gym, or meeting up with friends and family. Just spritz a few drops on your sweet points in the morning before you head out the door. Simple as that. It’s sure to become your favorite go-to cologne all year round!

17. Hugo Boss Infinite Eau De Parfum

Boss Infinite is a seductive cologne that you’ll want to wear every day since it combines light and airy zesty notes with strong aromatic notes. Patchouli, lavender, and aromatic sandalwood are combined with the top notes of apple and citrus to produce a seductive, manly smell that’s guaranteed to boost your confidence.

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Whether you’re out on the town or sitting at the office, all you need to do to smell great all day every day is to spritz some Infinite over your pulse points. To top it off, this perfume is available from all major retailers and is sold at a fantastic price. You won’t find many better products on our list than Boss Infinite if you’re looking for a bold new daily scent.

18. Gucci Guilty Oud Eau De Parfum

We love Gucci Guilty cologne and predict that you will too. It combines a delightful blend of rose, chili pepper, salt and vinegar, orange blossom, and lavender with lovely fragrant woody undertones. A spicy and floral aroma emerges as a result. When worn during the day or night you’ll definitely distinguish yourself from your peers.

Simply apply a few drops of Gucci Guilty after getting out of the shower each morning to your wrists or other sweet points and you’ll smell fantastic all day. It’s one of the more expensive perfumes on our list, but if you want a more luxurious and distinctive scent, we think it’s absolutely worth it.

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19. Christian Dior Sauvage Eau De Parfum

Dior’s Sauvage is a very popular cologne with men all over the world. The reasons for this are that not only does it smell great, but it’s also a high-quality cologne that lasts all day. Bergamot, Sichuan pepper, lavender, star anise, nutmeg, and Papua vanilla notes are combined to create the fragrance. When splashed on your wrists, you’ll be met with a wonderful-smelling, rich, spicy scent.

Dior’s Sauvage is offered in a variety of bottle sizes and is available where every high-quality cologne is sold. Don’t just believe what we say. Get a bottle of this top perfume, dab a little on your pulse points, and judge the effects for yourself.

20. Kenneth Cole Reaction

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If you’re looking for a new high-quality cologne that smells amazing, lasts all day, and is suitable for all occasions, Kenneth Cole Reaction should be at the top of your shortlist. It has a wonderful blend of notes that work superbly together to create a masculine yet understated scent that can be worn all day long. This means you only need one cologne for all your regular day and night activities.

The cologne is best described as woody meets zesty. It contains apple, melon, lemon, and sandalwood tones that create the beautiful end product called Reaction. If those notes sound like a bit of you, we thoroughly recommend giving this cologne a try. It might just become your favorite go-to fragrance!

21. Giorgio Armani Aqua Di Gio Pour Homme

Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme is a stunning cologne that’s made to be applied every day of the week regardless of what you get up to. The cologne has an inviting and invigorating scent. Notes of Calabrian bergamot are blended with neroli, fresh green tangerine, rosemary, and patchouli to create this stunning cologne. It has a much deeper and more sophisticated scent than many other colognes sold at this price point.

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The cologne is great for everyday use and can be purchased at all major retailers. We recommend purchasing a small bottle first so you can test it out for yourself before buying a larger bottle. Go ahead and give it a try. We think you’ll love it.

22. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir

If you’re looking for a luxurious daily cologne, this one’s for you. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir is a top-of-the-line cologne that has a distinct scent. The cologne is produced with a stunning blend of amber, tonic beans, and Cistus labdanum. The end result is deep and invigorating.

It’s a great cologne for all occasions. Splash some on before going to the office or when heading out for a night on the town. At any time of the day, this cologne will make you feel a million dollars. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this is the cologne for you.

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23. The Nue Co. Functional Fragrance

The Nue Co. has produced a lovely cologne that they call Functional Fragrance. It was created by using research into the connection that exists between smells and how the brain processes them. The result is a scent that produces a sense of calmness while smelling amazing.

The formulation includes green cardamom, bergamot, and cilantro notes to create a fresh, woody scent with a hint of spice. It’s a wonderful cologne for everyday use if you’re looking for a new fragrance that doesn’t overpower. To see what all the fuss is about, we recommend you try it out for yourself.

24. Yves Saint Laurent L’homme

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We love Yves Saint Laurent’s L’homme and we think you will too. It has a wonderful scent and is a great cologne for everyday use regardless of which season it is. In order to create it, musky woody tones, tangy citrus, and smoky floral notes are combined. You’ll like spraying on this macho and tangy fragrance every morning before leaving the house for the day!

There aren’t many better colognes on our list than this one if you’re looking for a new distinctive fragrance to splash on daily. All top retailers, online and in brick-and-mortar shops, carry L’homme by Yves Saint Laurent, which is offered at an excellent price considering how high-quality it is.

25. Givenchy Play

The Givenchy team has carefully crafted Play to produce a seductive and manly fragrance that’s perfect for everyday use. The fragrance starts out with top notes of Amyris wood, which creates a musky aroma. The middle notes of bitter orange and grapefruit provide a citrus element that’s complemented beautifully by the base notes of black pepper and patchouli. You’ll look forward to wearing this lovely cologne whenever you get the chance.

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Play by Givenchy is an excellent choice if you want a new scent that lasts all day. Although it costs a little bit more than some of our other top recommendations on this list, the product’s quality is worth every cent. Go ahead and pick up a bottle and give it a try. We think you will love it.

26. Azzaro Chrome

Azzaro Chrome is the final entry on our list of the best everyday colognes in 2023. The cologne smells like a calm seaside breeze with a dash of citrus, making it especially great if you want to smell fresh and summery all year round. It makes an excellent choice if you want a cologne for both work and play.

The cologne is produced by blending an exquisite mix of citrus, woody, and aquatic notes, which work beautifully together because no one note dominates the others. Instead, they complement each other to create a wonderful fragrance you’ll love to use every day. If you’re on the hunt for a new everyday cologne to add to your daily grooming routine, we wholeheartedly advise giving Chrome by Azzaro a try.

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Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. If you’re looking for a new everyday cologne for 2023, this guide is for you! Finding a new cologne can be a difficult task. You need to consider what type of scent you want and what 

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Entertainment

This scene almost broke him. And changed his career.

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As Sinners surges into the cultural conversation, it’s impossible to ignore the force of Christian Robinson’s performance. His “let me in” door scene has become one of the film’s defining moments—raw, desperate, and unforgettable. But the power of that scene makes the most sense when you understand the journey that brought him there.

From church play to breakout roles

Christian’s path didn’t begin on a Hollywood set. It started in a Brooklyn church, when a woman named Miss Val kept asking him to be in a play.

“I told her no countless times,” he remembers. “Every time she saw me, she asked me and she wouldn’t stop asking me.”

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He finally said yes—and everything changed.

“I did it once and I fell in love,” he says. That one performance pushed him into deep research on the craft, a move to Atlanta, and years of unglamorous work: training, auditioning, stacking small wins until he booked his first roles and then Netflix’s Burning Sands, where many met him as Big Country.

By the time Sinners came along, he wasn’t a newcomer hoping to get lucky. He was an actor who had quietly built the muscles to carry something bigger.

The door scene: life or death

On The Roselyn Omaka Show, Christian shared the directing note Ryan Coogler gave him before filming the door scene:

“He explained to me, ‘I need you to bang on this door as if your life depended on it. Like it’s a matter of life and death.’”

Christian didn’t just turn up the volume; he reached deeper.

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“This film speaks a lot about our ancestors,” he told Roselyn Omaka. “So I tried to give a glimpse of what our ancestors would’ve experienced if someone or something that could bring ultimate destruction was after them. How hard would they bang? How loud would they scream to try to get into a place safely? That’s what I intended to convey in that moment.”

That inner picture—life or death, ancestors, ultimate destruction—is why the scene hits like more than a plot beat. It feels like generational memory breaking through a single frame.

Living through a “history” moment in real time

When Roselyn asks what he’s processing as Sinners takes off, Christian admits he’s still inside the wave.

“I’ve never experienced a project with this level of reception and energy and momentum,” he says. “People having their theories and breaking it down and doing reenactments… it’s never been a time like this in my career.”

He’s careful not to over‑define something that’s still unfolding: “There’s no way to give an accurate description of what I’m experiencing while I’m still experiencing it.” He knows he’ll need distance to name it fully.

But he can name one thing: “If I could gather any adjective to describe it, it would be gratefulness. I’m grateful.”

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He also feels the weight of what this film might mean long-term:

“To know that I was there for a large amount of the time it was being brought to life, and a part of what the internet is saying will be history… this is something that I’m inspired by—to shoot for the stars in whatever passion rooted in creativity that you possess.”

Music, joy, and the man behind the moment

Christian talks about the music of Sinners as another force that shaped him. The score wasn’t playing nonstop; it showed up in key moments.

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“The music was played when it was necessary to be played. But when it was played, it resonated,” he says. Hearing Miles Caton’s songs early, before the world did, he remembers thinking, “This is going to be magical… This is one of the ones right here.”

For all the heaviness of the story, he also brought levity. He laughs about being the jokester on set—singing Juvenile and Lil Wayne in the New Orleans hair and makeup trailer, trying to make everyone smile during Essence Fest weekend. “I’m a fun guy,” he says. “I love to see people laugh and have a good time.”

PATHS for us and opening doors

What might be most revealing is how seriously Christian takes his responsibility off screen. In 2015, sitting in his apartment outside Atlanta, he felt God tell him to start a nonprofit called PATHS.

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“I heard from God and he told me to start a nonprofit called PATHS,” he recalls. At first, he and his peers went into schools and inner‑city communities to teach young people “the many different paths to entering the entertainment industry”—not just the craft, but “the practical steps and establishing yourself, like the business of an actor… a stunt person, hair and makeup, etc.”

When the pandemic hit and school visits stopped, he pivoted to a podcast and digital platform: “Fine, I’ll do it,” he laughs. Now PATHS for us lets “anyone anywhere that desires to be in entertainment hear from credible entertainment industry professionals on how they got to where they are and how you can do the same.”

Working on Sinners confirmed that he should go all in: “It just gave me exactly what I needed to know that I should pour my all into it.”

Honoring a history-making moment

As Sinners takes off, Christian keeps coming back to one word: gratefulness—for the film, for the collaborators, for the chance to be part of something people are calling historic.

At Bolanle Media, we see more than a viral scene. We see an artist whose craft is rooted in faith, ancestors, and hard-earned discipline; whose joy lifts the rooms he works in; and whose platform is opening real paths for others.

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This scene almost broke him. And changed his career.
Now, as the world catches up, Christian Robinson is using that breakthrough not just to walk through new doors—but to help the next generation find theirs.

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Entertainment

7 Filmmaking Lessons From Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar Moment

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Michael B. Jordan’s first Oscar win for Sinners isn’t just a milestone for his career — it’s a masterclass for filmmakers watching from the edit bay, the writing desk, or the no‑budget set.

For years, Jordan has been building toward this moment: from early TV roles to his breakout in Fruitvale Station, the cultural shockwave of Black Panther, and his evolution into a producer and director. His Sinners performance and awards run crystallize a set of habits, choices, and values that rising filmmakers can actually use.


1. “Find Your Coogler”: The Power of Long-Term Collaboration

Jordan’s professional story is inseparable from his collaboration with Ryan Coogler. They’ve moved together from intimate indie drama to franchise-level spectacle, and now to awards-season dominance with Sinners.


“Find your people and grow with them, not just next to them.”

For filmmakers, the takeaway is simple:

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  • Stop thinking in “one‑off” crews.
  • Start identifying the producers, DPs, editors, writers, and actors you want to build years of work with.

That kind of trust lets you move faster, go deeper, and take bigger risks together.


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2. Preparation That Lets You Jump Off the Cliff

Jordan has talked in interviews about preparing so thoroughly that he can “let go” when the cameras roll. The homework — script work, character study, physical training, emotional research — is what makes the risk possible.

You can translate that directly into a filmmaking workflow:

  • Do the table read.
  • Break down the script scene by scene.
  • Build visual references and emotional maps.

The more you handle before you’re on set, the more you can afford to explore, improvise, and discover in real time.


“Preparation buys you freedom on set.”


3. Take the “Bad Idea” Swing

A key pattern in Jordan’s choices is betting on material that doesn’t always look safe or obvious on paper. Roles and projects that feel intense, specific, or risky are often the ones that end up resonating the most.

For filmmakers, that means:

  • Stop sandpapering your scripts into something generic.
  • Start protecting the sharp edges — the personal details, the uncomfortable moments, the cultural specifics.

The project that scares you a little might be the one that actually breaks you out.


“If it feels too safe, it’s probably not big enough.”


4. One Hat at a Time (On Purpose)

Jordan is a modern multi-hyphenate — actor, producer, director — but he’s also strategic about when he wears which hat. On some projects, he leans fully into performance and trusts his team with everything else; on others, like Creed III, he steps behind the camera and takes on the entire vision.

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Filmmakers can learn from that restraint:

  • It’s okay to not direct, shoot, edit, and produce every single project.
  • Choosing one primary role per project can sharpen the overall result.

Ask yourself on each film: “What’s the one role where I add the most value here?” Then structure the team accordingly.

“You don’t have to do everything on every film.”


This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Michael B. Jordan portraying two characters in a scene from “Sinners.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

5. Build an Ecosystem, Not Just a Résumé

Through his company and slate, Jordan is doing more than collecting credits. He’s building an ecosystem where the stories he cares about have a home — a pipeline for voices, genres, and perspectives that might not get space elsewhere.

That’s a roadmap for independent filmmakers and media founders:

  • Create recurring spaces (a series, a channel, a festival, a label) where your sensibility is the default.
  • Think beyond the single film; think in seasons, slates, and communities.

Your “ecosystem” might start as a simple recurring short-film series on your site, or a curated block at a festival. Over time, it becomes infrastructure.

“Don’t just book jobs. Build a world.”


6. Honor the Lineage You Stand On

When he accepted his Oscar, Jordan made a point to acknowledge the Black artists and legends who paved the way before him. That posture matters. It keeps ego in check and places today’s wins inside a longer lineage of struggle and progress.

Filmmakers can mirror that by:

  • Citing their influences openly.
  • Educating themselves on the history of the craft, especially in their own communities.
  • Using their platforms to shine a light on peers and predecessors.

This isn’t just about being gracious; it’s about knowing you’re part of a story bigger than one awards season.


“Your win is a chapter, not the whole book.”


7. Let the Win Raise Your Standards

The most powerful thing about this moment is that it doesn’t feel like a finish line. Jordan’s energy reads as: this is motivation, not retirement. The recognition becomes pressure to work smarter, deeper, and more intentionally.

Filmmakers can turn every “win” — whether it’s an Oscar, a festival laurel, a viral clip, or a private email from someone impacted by your work — into fuel for the next draft and the next shoot.

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Ask:

  • What did I do well here that I can codify into my process?
  • Where did I get lucky, and how can I replace luck with craft next time?


“Treat every win as a new baseline, not a peak.”


Why This Matters for Our Community

At Bolane Media, we see Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar moment not just as a celebrity headline, but as a roadmap for emerging storytellers — especially those building from underrepresented communities and independent spaces.

If you’re a filmmaker reading this:

  • Identify one of these seven lessons.
  • Apply it to your next project, not the hypothetical big one five years from now.

Then share your work with us. We want to see what you build.


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How to Find Your Voice as a Filmmaker

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Every filmmaker aspires to create projects that are not only memorable but also uniquely their own. Finding your creative voice is a journey that requires self-reflection, bold choices, and an unwavering commitment to your vision. Here’s how to uncover your style, take risks, and craft original work that stands out.

1. Discovering Your Voice: Understanding Your Influences

Your unique voice begins with recognizing what inspires you.

  • Step 1: Reflect on the themes, genres, or emotions that consistently draw your interest. Are you inspired by human resilience, surreal worlds, or untold histories?
  • Step 2: Study the work of filmmakers you admire. Analyze what resonates with you—their use of color, pacing, or narrative techniques.

Tip: Combine what you love with your personal experiences to create a lens that only you can offer.

Example: Wes Anderson’s whimsical, symmetrical worlds stem from his love of classic storytelling and his unique visual style.

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Takeaway: Start with what moves you, then add your personal touch.

2. Taking Creative Risks: Experiment and Evolve

To stand out, you must be willing to challenge conventions and explore new territory.

Example: Jordan Peele blended horror with social commentary in Get Out, creating a genre-defying film that captivated audiences.

Takeaway: Risks are an opportunity for growth, even if they don’t always succeed.

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3. Telling Original Stories: Start with Authenticity

Original projects resonate when they stem from a place of truth.

  • Draw from Experience: Incorporate elements of your own life, culture, or worldview into your stories.
  • Explore the “Why”: Ask yourself why this story matters to you and how it connects with your audience.
  • Avoid Trends: Focus on timeless narratives rather than chasing current fads.

Example: Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird was deeply personal, based on her experiences growing up in Sacramento. The film’s authenticity made it universally relatable.

Takeaway: The more personal the story, the more it resonates.

4. Developing Your Style: Consistency Meets Creativity

Style is not just about visuals—it’s how you tell a story across all elements of filmmaking.

  • Visual Language: Experiment with colors, lighting, and framing to create a distinct aesthetic.
  • Narrative Voice: Develop consistent themes or motifs across your projects.
  • Sound Design: Use music, sound effects, and silence to evoke specific emotions.

Example: Quentin Tarantino’s use of dialogue, pop culture references, and bold music choices makes his work instantly recognizable.

Takeaway: Your style should be intentional, evolving as you grow but always recognizable as yours.

5. Staying True to Yourself: Building Confidence in Your Vision

The filmmaking process is full of challenges, but staying true to your voice is essential.

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  • Stay Authentic: Trust your instincts, even if your ideas seem unconventional.
  • Adapt Without Compromise: Be open to feedback but maintain your core vision.
  • Celebrate Your Growth: View every project, successful or not, as a stepping stone in your creative journey.

Example: Ava DuVernay shifted from public relations to filmmaking, staying true to her voice in films like Selma and 13th, which focus on social justice.

Takeaway: Your voice evolves with every project, so embrace the process.

Conclusion: From Idea to Screen, Your Voice is Your Superpower

Finding your voice as a filmmaker takes time, courage, and commitment. By exploring your influences, taking risks, and staying true to your perspective, you’ll craft stories that not only stand out but also resonate deeply with your audience.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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