Delroy Lindo’s Long-Awaited Oscar Moment: ‘Sinners’ Makes Academy Awards History
The 98th Academy Awards nominations have set the entertainment world abuzz, with Ryan Coogler’s gothic horror masterpiece “Sinners” making history by securing an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations. Among these nominations, perhaps none has generated more universal celebration than Delroy Lindo’s Best Supporting Actor nod for his portrayal of Delta Slim. At 73 years old, the veteran actor finds himself in position to potentially win his first Oscar after a distinguished four-decade career that has somehow never before been recognized by the Academy. The film’s record-breaking nominations come at the expense of some surprising shutouts, including the complete absence of “Wicked: For Good” from the nominations list.
When the BBC News caught up with Lindo about his nomination, the actor’s humility was immediately apparent. “I was in bed,” he chuckled during the interview, recounting his genuine shock upon receiving the call. “Really, for real, man?” was his first reaction to the news, capturing the authentic surprise of someone who has delivered exceptional performances for years without formal recognition. This unassuming response only endeared him further to fans who have long advocated for his talents to be acknowledged on the industry’s biggest stage. The moment resonated as a reminder that even for seasoned professionals, Academy recognition remains a meaningful milestone, especially for actors of color who have historically been underrepresented among nominees.
Social media platforms erupted with support for Lindo following the announcement, with fans and critics alike highlighting the power of his performance in “Sinners.” Particular attention has been paid to an improvised moment that perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes. As one admirer, Jasmine Heebs, eloquently described on Threads: “He improvised the transition from the monologue in the car about witnessing the lynching of his friend into humming the blues. BRILLIANT. It made my jaw drop.” This scene, in which Lindo’s character recounts witnessing a lynching before transitioning into a haunting blues hum, has been cited as a masterclass in acting that distills the film’s exploration of historical trauma into a single, devastating moment. Another supporter, Julia Fay, shared the joy many felt: “I cannot tell you how absolutely ecstatic I am that Delroy Lindo got that nomination – there was cheering in this house when he was announced!!”
Born in London but raised in the United States, Lindo has built a reputation as a versatile and commanding presence across multiple entertainment mediums. His film work includes memorable collaborations with director Spike Lee in films such as “Malcolm X,” “Crooklyn,” “Clockers,” and more recently “Da 5 Bloods” – a performance that many felt deserved Oscar recognition at the time. Despite consistent critical acclaim and audience appreciation, Lindo has remained somewhat underrated in terms of industry awards throughout his distinguished career. His range extends beyond film to accomplished work in television and theater, demonstrating a versatility that has earned him respect among peers and a devoted following among discerning viewers who recognize the depth and authenticity he brings to every role.
“Sinners,” the film that has finally brought Lindo his first Oscar nomination, represents director Ryan Coogler’s ambitious vision of combining supernatural horror with the very real historical horrors of America’s Jim Crow era. The film follows Black characters confronting both literal demons and the demons of historical trauma, creating a powerful allegory about the lasting impact of racism in America. Coogler, who previously directed “Black Panther” and “Fruitvale Station,” has crafted a genre-blending narrative that critics have praised for its unflinching look at historical injustice through a horror lens. The record-setting 16 nominations include nods for Best Picture and Best Director for Coogler, as well as Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, making it a dominant presence across all major categories.
As the ceremony approaches, the overwhelming sentiment among film enthusiasts seems to be hope that this will finally be Lindo’s moment. The phrase “give him his flowers” has appeared repeatedly in discussions about his nomination, reflecting the feeling that this recognition is long overdue. The nomination also speaks to a potentially shifting landscape in Hollywood, where performances in genre films like horror are increasingly being recognized for their artistic merit rather than being dismissed as less serious fare. For many viewers, seeing Lindo potentially accept an Oscar for his powerful work in “Sinners” would represent not just a personal triumph for a deserving actor, but a meaningful acknowledgment of Black stories and storytellers in a genre and industry that has not always made space for their voices. Whatever the outcome on Oscar night, Lindo’s nomination stands as a celebration of perseverance, excellence, and the power of performances that speak to both personal and collective histories.
