Delroy Lindo took the stage at the Critics Choice Awards as he helped accept the award for Best Casting and Ensemble for Sinners, a film that has not only dominated award season but struck an emotional and cultural chord with audiences worldwide.
While casting director Francine Maisler accepted the official honor, it was Lindo’s words that delivered one of the night’s most heartfelt moments. Speaking on behalf of the cast, he used the moment to salute the visionaries behind the film, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, giving them their flowers in front of the industry.
“From the first time I read this extraordinary script by the great Ryan Coogler, I knew it was something really special,” Lindo said, reflecting on the story and the sheer magnitude of what Coogler created. “The fact that it’s recognized in this environment… is just icing on the cake for the manifestation of the extraordinary vision of Ryan.”
Delroy Lindo accepted the award for Best Casting and Ensemble at the Critics Choice Awards on behalf of the “Sinners” cast: pic.twitter.com/8b1OWxYVYl
— Kalan Hooks (@KalanHookstv) January 5, 2026
But Lindo didn’t stop there. He made sure to widen the spotlight to acknowledge the powerhouse partnership that has reshaped modern Black storytelling.
“To take a half step back and acknowledge what Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, as a team, have shared with us is quite extraordinary,” he said. “And I think… these guys are not yet 40. I hate these dudes, man.”
Lindo also thanked Co-Chairs & CEOs of Warner Bros, Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, the ensemble cast, and everyone who championed the film from concept to screen.
At a time when representation, narrative ownership, and access to opportunity continue to define Hollywood’s future, Lindo’s speech served as both appreciation and affirmation.
And as Delroy joked, if the future looks this good and it’s being led by creators under 40, the rest of Hollywood better keep up.
