Delroy Lindo turns BAFTA controversy into 'something positive' at NAACP Image Awards

Delroy Lindo used his moment on stage at the NAACP Image Awards to transform a painful controversy into a message of unity, speaking out for the first time after the incident at the British Academy Film Awards that saw a racial slur shouted while he was presenting. Taking the stage at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, Lindo expressed gratitude for the wave of support he and his collaborators received in the aftermath, calling it “a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive.”

The actor had been on stage at the 2026 BAFTAs alongside Michael B. Jordan when a guest with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the live ceremony, a moment that sparked widespread backlash and debate about institutional responsibility, racism and disability awareness. In the days that followed, Lindo criticized the handling of the incident and the lack of direct outreach from organizers, underscoring how the moment affected those on stage.

At the NAACP Image Awards, however, the tone shifted from outrage to affirmation. Lindo and his Sinners collaborators were met with a standing ovation from the audience, a gesture that highlighted solidarity within the Black entertainment community and recognition of the grace shown in the face of the incident. Lindo acknowledged that support directly, telling the audience that the love and encouragement they received in the aftermath “means a lot to us.”

The ceremony itself, held in Pasadena and celebrating achievements across film, television and music, became a platform not only for honoring Black excellence but also for addressing the broader social and cultural conversations surrounding representation and respect. Within that context, Lindo’s remarks stood out as a moment of reframing, a reminder that community response can reshape even the most difficult public experiences.

By choosing to speak publicly in that setting, Lindo turned a controversy that had dominated headlines into an opportunity to highlight resilience, empathy and collective support — a message that resonated strongly with the audience and reinforced the spirit of the NAACP Image Awards as a celebration of both artistry and community strength.