Delroy Lindo was still in bed when he learned he had earned his first Oscar nomination. The 73-year-old actor is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as blues musician Delta Slim in Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. Lindo revealed that the news came early in the morning via a phone call from his son.
Speaking on Good Morning America on Friday, Lindo recalled being half-asleep when the call came through. “My son called me. I was in bed. I was kind of halfway between being asleep and waking, and the phone rang, and I picked it up, and my son was on the other line, and it’s perfect that I got the news from him.”
Sinners landed a record 16 nominations, and Lindo admitted he is still taking in the reaction to both the film and his own recognition. He said the outpouring of support and love has made the experience especially rewarding. “It feels terrific. I’m still processing, if I’m really honest, but it’s wonderful. And part of my response has to do with how positive everybody else’s response has been. A lot of support, a lot of love. It really feels good.”
Despite decades of acclaimed work, Lindo explained that he tried to keep some emotional distance from awards-season speculation. While he acknowledged the possibility, he said he focused on letting the outcome unfold on its own.
Lindo also described the challenges of playing Delta Slim, particularly the musical demands of the role. Learning piano, keyboard, and harmonica required a different kind of focus, and he credited a team of accomplished musicians for helping him bridge the gap between intention and execution.
Following the nominations, Lindo spoke with Coogler and other cast members, expressing his thrill for the filmmaker, who also received major recognition. Lindo said he recognized Coogler’s vision from the moment he read the script and is moved by how strongly audiences have embraced it.
The film is set to return to select theaters later this month, nearly a year after its initial release. Lindo believes the movie rewards repeat viewings, noting that audiences continue to discover new layers with each screening, a testament, he said, to Coogler’s ambitious storytelling.
The Oscars will air live Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, broadcast on ABC and streamed live on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
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Sinners leads 98th Oscar nominations with 16
