Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo Shine in Oscar Nominations
After the recent Oscar nominations, Wunmi Mosaku has been celebrated as Britain’s beacon of hope with her nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the prestigious awards. This comes during a year when the UK faced the possibility of having no nominees in the acting categories for the first time since 1986.
Delroy Lindo’s Unexpected Nomination
Joining Mosaku is another cast member from “Sinners,” Delroy Lindo, born in Lewisham. He received a surprising nomination for Best Supporting Actor, surpassing expected nominees like Paul Mescal, contributing to “Sinners” achieving a remarkable record of 16 nominations.
Initial Reaction to the News
Lindo expressed his shock upon receiving the news from his son while still in bed in Los Angeles. Initially incredulous, he confirmed it after checking his phone, which showed 179 messages celebrating his nomination.
Role in “Sinners”
In the film directed by Ryan Coogler, Lindo portrays Delta Slim, a blues musician defending himself in a Mississippi juke joint against vampires while confronting the realities of Jim Crow racism. Many see this role as a fitting embodiment of an influential African American figure, yet Lindo’s identity is deeply tied to the complexities of the Black Atlantic.
Lindo’s Journey and Perspective
Unlike Mosaku, who retains her Mancunian accent, Lindo’s voice reflects his years spent in the U.S., having moved from London as a teenager. His acting career began with a role in “More American Graffiti,” but it was a school nativity play that ignited his passion for acting.
Challenging Experiences in the UK
Lindo’s encounters with racism in Britain have significantly shaped his views. Reflecting on the murder of Stephen Lawrence, he noted that it didn’t shock him, given his own experiences. He describes his relationship with the UK as “complicated,” influenced by his family’s history and the socio-political climate he witnessed.
Acknowledging Racism and Future Ambitions
Lindo has been vocal about the Windrush scandal, denouncing it as “disgusting and enraging.” He has a keen interest in exploring untold aspects of the Black British experience, stemming from his mother’s era. While he acknowledges that his career flourished after leaving England, he now aims to share stories reflective of his heritage through a screenplay based on his mother’s life in the UK.
