Delroy Lindo schools influencer after being called an 'emerging artist' as Oscar buzz builds

Veteran actor Delroy Lindo didn’t let a surprising interview moment go unchallenged after an influencer mistakenly referred to him as an “emerging artist” — and his response is winning praise online. The exchange happened during a pre‑Oscars interview, when Lindo, who just earned his first Academy Award nomination for his role in Sinners, was asked about industry recognition.

In footage shared by the interviewer, Lindo paused and mimed zipping his lips when asked what an Oscar nomination would mean, jokingly saying, “Nothing — I’m not talking about that.” Then, making his point clear, he added, “I’m also not an emerging artist. I’ve been around for a few years. So.” Lindo’s calm but firm correction underscored his decades‑long career in film, television, and theatre that stretches back to the late 1970s.

The moment went viral after the interviewer acknowledged they’d made a “rookie mistake,” prompting laughter from Lindo. The 73‑year‑old actor’s reaction reflected both humor and confidence, as he navigated the mislabel while celebrating a major milestone in his career.

Lindo’s work has long earned critical acclaim, with acclaimed roles in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and Da 5 Bloods before his breakout turn in Ryan Coogler’s genre‑blending Sinners finally brought him into Oscar contention. He told Entertainment Weekly that past awards season snubs sometimes stung, saying he was “profoundly disappointed, frankly” when overlooked, but has always focused on the depth and range of his work.

The Sinners performance has resonated strongly with critics and audiences alike, helping the film secure a record number of Oscar nominations this year. Amid the buzz, Lindo’s quick response to the influencer moment has become one of the most talked‑about clips circulating online.