Delroy Lindo Talks ‘Sinners’, His 50-Year Film Journey, First Oscar Nomination, and a Missed Opportunity

Delroy Lindo has received his first Oscar nomination 50 years after his film debut in Partners. The announcement of his nomination comes as a noteworthy milestone, especially in light of the actor’s extensive career and the widespread recognition he has garnered over the years. His performance in Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed film Sinners, which received a record 16 nominations, has been met with enthusiasm from both the industry and fans alike.

In a recent conversation, Lindo showed a keen curiosity, often reversing the roles and asking questions of his own. This inquisitive nature reflects his process as an actor, where he keenly observes human behavior. Lindo has collaborated on four films with director Spike Lee, beginning with Malcolm X and including titles such as Clockers, Crooklyn, and Da 5 Bloods. Many believed that his role in Da 5 Bloods would earn him a Best Actor Oscar nomination, and he expressed his disappointment when his name was not called during that nomination announcement. He confided that this previous experience made him hesitant to tune in for nominations this time.

Lindo spoke fondly about notable roles, including his performance in The Cider House Rules and a TV movie that provided him with a career-defining role. He is also looking forward to his upcoming appearance in Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, a significant shift from his previous work, set to release in 2027.

However, Lindo’s focus remains on Sinners, where he fully embraced the character of Delta Slim, a portrayal that has ultimately brought him to the Oscar stage at long last.