‘I was in bed’: How British actor Delroy Lindo heard about Oscar nomination

In a year marked by exceptional cinematic achievements, British thespians Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku have emerged as the United Kingdom’s sole acting representatives for the 93rd Academy Awards. The acclaimed performer, celebrated for his powerful portrayal in Da 5 Bloods, received his career-first Oscar nomination under remarkably humble circumstances—awakening to the news while still resting in bed. This intimate revelation contrasts sharply with the glamour typically associated with Hollywood’s highest honors, highlighting the pandemic-era awards season’s distinctive character.

Lindo’s nomination for Best Actor recognizes his masterful depiction of a Vietnam veteran grappling with trauma and moral complexity in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed drama. Meanwhile, Mosaku’s supporting nomination honors her performance in the supernatural horror film His House, marking a significant milestone for genre cinema representation. Their dual recognition underscores Britain’s continuing influence in global cinema despite this year’s reduced international presence across acting categories.

The nominations arrive amid ongoing industry conversations about diversity and representation, with both performers representing meaningful strides in inclusive storytelling. Industry analysts note the significance of these nominations occurring during a historically unconventional awards season, where traditional campaigning and red-carpet festivities have been largely replaced by virtual celebrations and intimate moments of professional acknowledgment.