Interview: Delroy Lindo Returns to Talk Acting and ‘Sinners’

It goes without saying that Delroy Lindo continues to be one of the more underrated actors working today. Back in 2020, his most recent collaboration with Spike Lee, Da 5 Bloods, rightly got him the universal raves that he’s been so deserving of throughout his career, as well as giving folks a new appreciation for the character actor. Lindo took one of that year’s trickiest roles, that of the MAGA hat wearing Paul, and absolutely delivered. He was snubbed for an Academy Award nomination that year, though he’s back now, once again in Oscar consideration, this time for Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners. You can listen to my prior chat with Lindo here, but recently, I hopped on Zoom with him for another conversation. Today, that one comes your way.

In my review of Sinners (here), I spoke of the cast, including Lindo, like so:

Michael B. Jordan gives one of his best performances, while newcomer Miles Caton makes a major impression. They’re joined by a very fun Delroy Lindo, providing some of the comic relief, as well as a heartbreaking Wunmi Mosaku in being the highlights. Caton is a musical talent, to be sure, but has some real acting chops as well. Watch out for him. Lindo is a scene stealer, while Mosaku not only provides some of the most emotional elements, but also helps to explain the vampiric situation in a way that’s not just an expositional dump. As for Jordan, he gives the brothers wildly different personalities, allowing you never to confuse them. He’s relishing the opportunity, to be sure, and it shows. Jack O’Connell is also very tickled with his villainous turn, especially when he also gets to be musical. Then, there’s Hailee Steinfeld, who’s also very good, if slightly under-utilized. Still, she has a back and forth with Jordan that’s as fiery as any in the film. 

Below, you can see my latest talk with Lindo. One of my favorite things about chatting with the man is how he asks as many questions as I do. Our back and forth is not just about his prior Oscar campaign and what happened, Academy-wise, with Da 5 Bloods, but obviously Sinners as well. There’s also some great insight from him about actors and acting. It’s a wonderful conversation, one I always look forward to. If you somehow haven’t seen Sinners yet, rectify that immediately. It’s one of the best films of the year, with Lindo delivering one of the more enjoyable supporting turns of 2025. The movie is going to be an awards player, that’s for sure. Hopefully, Lindo follows along as well. Cinema is better for having him in it, regardless.

Here now is my interview with Sinners co-star Delroy Lindo. Enjoy:

Sinners is available to watch right now!