NAACP Image Awards: Delroy Lindo and Ryan Coogler Respond to Support After Slur Fiasco

Nicole WeaverSun, March 1, 2026 at 4:11 AM UTC

0

(Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Last week, the Sinners cast attended the BAFTAs since they were nominated for their work. The night unexpectedly took a turn when a slur was yelled at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who were presenting on stage.

The cast was recognized on February 28 at the NAACP Image Awards. Fellow actors gave Jordan, 39, and Lindo, 73, love. Lindo later thanked them on stage with Ryan Coogler.

Delroy Lindo Says a Negative Became a Positive

Regina Hall presented an award on stage and acknowledged the actors in the audience. "I feel like also to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class and that is Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo," Hall said on stage. The audience gave a roaring applause then a standing ovation.

Coogler, 39, and Lindo took the stage later to present an award. The audience once again clapped for them. Lindo happily clapped too.

Advertisement

Related: Sterling K. Brown Speaks Out Against Administration’s ‘Attack’ at 2026 NAACP Image Awards

"Thank you, thank you," the actor said. "Before we start, I just like to officially say that we appreciate [...] all of the support and the love we've been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us. It is an honor to be here amongst our people this evening, amongst so many people who have shown us such incredible support. And it's a classic case of something that could've been very negative becoming very positive."

The director acknowledged the importance of the diverse award show. "There’s something powerful about standing in this room — a room where we don’t have to explain ourselves, or our stories aren’t footnotes," Coogler said. "They’re the main text."

Jordan was awarded Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Sinners. Lindo was awarded Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Sinners was award for ensemble.

Related: Samuel L. Jackson Honors Rev. Jesse Jackson at NAACP Image Awards 2026

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”