The cast of Sinners received a series of standing ovations at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, following a racial slur incident at the BAFTAs last weekend, per parade.com.
The 2026 NAACP Image Awards turned into a powerful display of solidarity for Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The two actors, who were targeted by a slur while presenting at the BAFTAs in London, were met with overwhelming support from their peers at the Shrine Auditorium.
During the ceremony, host Regina Hall paused to acknowledge the pair. “I want to take a moment for the two kings in this audience and send so much love for your class,” Hall told the crowd, sparking a sustained standing ovation for Jordan, 39, and Lindo, 73.
Lindo later took to the stage alongside director Ryan Coogler to present an award, using the moment to address the recent controversy.
“We appreciate all of the support and the love we’ve been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend,” Lindo said. “It is an honour to be here amongst our people. It’s a classic case of something that could’ve been very negative becoming very positive.”
Coogler emphasised the significance of the evening, noting the importance of spaces where Black creators do not have to justify their presence. “There’s something powerful about standing in this room – a room where we don’t have to explain ourselves,” the director remarked. “Our stories aren’t footnotes; they’re the main text.”
It was a triumphant night for the Sinners team beyond the emotional tributes. Michael B. Jordan took home both Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, while Lindo won Outstanding Supporting Actor. The film also secured the award for Outstanding Ensemble Cast.
•Featured image: Ryan Coogler and Delroy Lindo/Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET
