The resulting film captures Michael’s difficult relationship with his controlling father Joe (Colman Domingo), as part of the Jackson 5, and then traces his massive rise to fame through his solo career. The musical numbers are dazzling, with Jaafar Jackson capturing his uncle’s incredible talent and charisma. Inside the Dolby Theatre, the audience’s cheering was so rapturous after certain numbers that it almost drowned out the film’s sound. The event felt more like a concert than a movie premiere at times.

Michael’s siblings La Toya Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Jermaine Jackson all attended and took the stage along with the cast after the screening. The Jackson estate served as a producer on the film, and Michael’s son Prince Jackson was an executive producer. ​​Lionsgate film chair Adam Fogelson shared in his remarks that Prince “worked every day on this movie with us. He was in this from day one and supported the movie so much.”

Not every member of the Jackson family was along for the Michael journey, however. His sister Janet Jackson not only didn’t attend the premiere, but her character is not present in the film. And his daughter Paris Jackson has previously stated on social media she was not involved with the project and that it contained “a lot of inaccuracy.” The new edit doesn’t go into the more controversial parts of Jackson’s legacy, namely the multiple child abuse allegations that arose later in his career.

But the vibe at the premiere and the party was a celebratory one, with a crowd of friends of both the filmmakers and the Jackson family. Lionsgate also went all out for the after-party at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, taking over the pool, lobby, and main events space. Costumes from the film were on display throughout the event, and, of course, Michael’s music was blasting.

NBA star Dwight Howard made sure to meet Juliano Krue Valdi, who plays the childhood version of Michael in the film. After posing for photos together, the pair showed off some of their best Michael dance moves. The party brought out a fun mashup of Hollywood guests, including Usher, Jon Voight, Chance the Rapper, Magic Johnson, Tori Spelling, Martin Lawrence, and Tyrese Gibson.

But the person with the most to celebrate is Jaafar Jackson. Whether Michael is a hit or not (reviews have not been kind; it has a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), it’s the birth of a new star. Jaafar succeeds at the almost impossible task of embodying his uncle and capturing the magic that he brought to music. While there may be criticism of the story and what it does and does not include, Jaafar’s performance is undeniable. “I just hope my uncle Michael is smiling from up above,” Jaafar told the audience. “I wanted to make sure that I captured his essence and would give audiences a glimpse of just how incredible of a human being he was.”