Veteran actor Delroy Lindo is navigating a whirlwind awards season, and while the buzz around his performances is immense, he’s choosing to focus on the positive. Despite a recent unsettling incident at the BAFTAs, Lindo is determined to “claim the joy” of this moment, especially as he looks ahead to the Oscars.
Reflecting on the BAFTA Incident
During a recent interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, Lindo was asked about the moment at the BAFTAs where Tourette’s Syndrome activist John Davidson shouted the N-word while Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were presenting an award. While initially hesitant to revisit the incident, Lindo shared his immediate thoughts in that split second.
He described a nanosecond of internal processing: “Wait, did I just hear what I thought I heard?” Lindo explained that professionalism quickly took over. “We had jobs to do,” he stated, recalling how he and Jordan seamlessly continued with their presentation. His wife noted that his subtle adjustment of his glasses was the only outward sign of the internal reaction.
Finding Strength in Community
A week later, at the NAACP Image Awards, Lindo felt a profound sense of support. “The fact that I could stand there in a room predominantly of our people… and feel safe, feel loved, feel supported,” he shared. He used the opportunity to formally thank the community for their outpouring of support following the BAFTA incident.
Looking Ahead to the Oscars
The conversation then shifted to the upcoming Academy Awards, where Lindo is a contender for his powerful performance in Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.” Despite past Oscar buzz that didn’t materialize, the 73-year-old actor remains resolute. “I will continue working,” he declared, emphasizing that the true affirmation comes from the impact his work has on audiences, reminding people of family members like an uncle or grandfather.
Lindo refuses to entertain the idea of an “Oscar curse” for Black actors, referencing stars like Halle Berry and Lou Gossett Jr. “I will not view it as a curse, because I am claiming the victory in this process, no matter what happens,” he asserted. He admits to feeling trepidation, even avoiding listening to the nomination announcements, but is committed to fortifying himself and embracing the joy of the moment.
Beyond Acting: A Writer’s Vision
Beyond his acting career, Lindo is channeling his passion into writing. He holds a master’s degree from NYU, where his thesis focused on the Windrush generation – the Caribbean immigrants invited by the British government to help rebuild the UK after World War II, including his own mother, who was a nurse. He plans to use this research for a screenplay that highlights the experiences of Caribbean women, addressing what he sees as an imbalance in film representation.
Lindo is also working on a unique book, described as more than a typical “celebrity memoir.” It delves into history and culture through the lens of the Windrush experience, involving a deep, personal examination of his relationship with his mother. He promises it’s a departure from the conventional celebrity narrative.
What are your thoughts on Delroy Lindo’s approach to the awards season and his future projects? Share your opinions in the comments below!
