Lewisham-born actor Delroy Lindo received a surprise Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for 'Sinners,' helping to save the UK from its first nomination-less year in acting categories since 1986. His career, marked by a complicated relationship with Britain and significant collaborations with Spike Lee, finally earns him top Hollywood recognition.
In the aftermath of the Oscar nominations, Delroy Lindo, alongside Wunmi Mosaku, emerged as a crucial figure in preventing the UK's first nomination-less year in acting categories since 1986. The Lewisham-born actor, a surprise pick for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Delta Slim in 'Sinners,' contributed to the film's impressive 16-nod haul. Lindo, born in south London in 1952, was reportedly taken aback by the news, receiving 179 messages confirming his nomination. In Ryan Coogler’s box office hit, he plays a blues man barricaded in a Mississippi juke joint, fighting vampires while confronting Jim Crow racism, a role many see as perfect for the 'child of the Black Atlantic.' Unlike Mosaku, Lindo, who left the UK for the US as a teenager, has no hint of a London accent. His first acting 'bug' came from a primary school nativity play in south London. However, his memories of the UK are largely negative, shaped by rising far-right support and personal experiences with racism. He describes his relationship with Britain as 'complicated,' noting that the 1993 murder of Stephen Lawrence 'did not surprise' him. He learned about Black British history only after leaving the UK and was deeply disturbed by the Windrush scandal, asserting that 'British racism is every bit as virulent and violent as American racism.' Lindo has even crafted a screenplay based on his mother’s Windrush experience, but firmly believes, 'Everything I have achieved in my life has come as a result of leaving England,' convinced he could never have had such a career there. Lindo’s extensive filmography is peppered with roles black British actors in the UK could only dream of during the 1980s and 1990s. An accomplished stage actor, he made his Broadway debut in 'Master Harold … and the Boys.' His mainstream successes include roles in 'Get Shorty' and 'Gone in 60 Seconds.' He is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Spike Lee, having been described as Lee's 'secret weapon.' Their work together, including 'Malcolm X,' 'Crooklyn,' 'Clockers,' and 'Da 5 Bloods,' has been critically lauded, elevating him 'from memorable face to belated leading man.' Despite being a strong contender for an Oscar for 'Da 5 Bloods' in 2020, this 'Sinners' recognition marks his first Academy Award nomination. He hopes that on 15 March, voters will finally focus on his latest acclaimed work and give an Oscar to one of the industry's most consistent talents.
