Wunmi Mosaku made headlines when she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her nomination marked a significant moment for the UK, which hadn’t seen a nod in acting categories since 1986.
Joining her is Delroy Lindo, who is also nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Lindo’s nomination for his role in “The Sinners” was a surprise, even to him. The actor, born in South London in 1952, was caught off guard when his son broke the news to him. “Really? Are you for real?” he asked before checking his phone and discovering 179 messages of congratulations.
In “The Sinners,” Lindo plays Delta Slim, a blues musician fighting off vampires while confronting issues of racism in Mississippi. This role highlights the complexities of his identity. Unlike Mosaku, who still has a Mancunian twang, Lindo left London as a teenager and developed a distinct American accent.
Lindo got his start in film in 1979 but credits an early school play for sparking his passion for acting. He was recognized by a teacher for his talent, a rare moment of encouragement for a Black student in a predominantly white school during a challenging time in Britain.
Reflecting on his past, Lindo describes his relationship with the UK as “complicated.” He was shaped by the experiences of growing up during a period marked by the rise of far-right groups and racism. Events like the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 left a lasting impact on him. He stated, “Given incidents that happened to me there, it did not surprise me.”
Lindo has been vocal about the struggles of the Black British experience, especially post-Windrush. He found inspiration for his work through research into his family’s history, leading him to write a screenplay based on his mother’s time in England. Though he values this aspect of his heritage, he also believes that leaving the UK was key to his success. He said, “Everything I have achieved in my life has come as a result of leaving England.”
His career has been marked by notable roles in films like “Malcolm X” and “Get Shorty.” Lindo’s collaboration with director Spike Lee has been particularly influential, showcasing his range from characters in “Da 5 Bloods” to earlier roles in “Clockers” and “Crooklyn.” Critics have praised him as a versatile actor capable of embodying complex characters.
As award season approaches, Lindo hopes that the voters will recognize his talent and dedication. His Oscar nomination brings attention not just to his performance but also to the broader narrative of Black representation in film.
For more details on the evolution of Black representation in film, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art.
