LONDON (AP) – Delroy Lindo is basking in the glow of his recent Oscar nomination for "Sinners" and recognizing the overwhelming support from his peers and fans alike. The actor described his nomination as truly monumental, emphasizing the positive energy he has received from the public and how genuine it feels. He stated, "That’s been truly monumental… and I can’t help but be impacted by that." This appreciation has been especially poignant during challenging moments, such as when a person with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur while he was on stage with Michael B. Jordan at the British Academy Film Awards. Following this incident, he received a warm standing ovation while presenting at the NAACP Image Awards six days later.
At the NAACP Image Awards, Lindo expressed gratitude for being among his supporters, stating, “It is an honor to be here amongst our people this evening.” He took home the supporting actor award that night, ahead of the Academy Awards scheduled for March 15. Lindo plays the character Delta Slim, a bluesman in "Sinners," vying for the Oscar against distinguished actors such as Jacob Elordi, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Stellan Skarsgård.
While the U.K. has embraced him as a British Oscar nominee, Lindo emphasizes the significance of his upbringing in the United States in shaping his career. He noted, “The reality is my career has been in the United States, and the irony is, had I not had my career in the U.S., you and I would not be talking right now.” Lindo’s filmography includes iconic titles like “Malcolm X,” “Get Shorty,” “Clockers,” “The Cider House Rules,” and “Da Five Bloods.” Additionally, he has made notable television appearances as an FBI agent, sheriff, lawyer, and estranged father, along with a recognized theater career, including a Tony nomination for his role in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” on Broadway.
Despite the busy awards season, Lindo shared insights into his aspirations for future projects. He is set to take on the roles of director, co-producer, and actor in a film set in Jamaica, where his mother was born. Lindo aims to highlight a different aspect of the Caribbean, focusing on the spirituality of the land and its people rather than the typical allure of sea and sun.
Lindo expressed a desire to portray Othello on film, having played the role on stage twice in the 1990s. He remarked, “I developed such an appreciation for the material, for that man, and to be able to delve into that again on film intrigues the hell out of me.” He also mentioned his interest in bringing the story of Black nationalist Marcus Garvey to life, noting his historical significance and the importance of the Universal Negro Improvement Association he founded. While he has been linked to playing Garvey in the past, he clarified that he was never formally approached about it.
Additionally, Lindo is working on a memoir that chronicles his mother’s journey aboard the Empire Windrush in 1948, which carried 800 Caribbean passengers to new lives in Britain. He aims to reflect on their experiences and the wider context of the Windrush generation, noting, “I feel that I haven’t seen a lot of stories that depict… wide enough aspects of that extraordinary experience.” Lindo is keen to create a narrative that honors this complex historical moment and showcases the diverse stories within it.
