SFSU alumnus Delroy Lindo earns Oscar nom for ‘Sinners’

Actor and San Francisco State University alumnus Delroy Lindo (B.A., ’04) has earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending horror film “Sinners,” marking a milestone moment in a career that has spanned more than four decades across film, television and theater.

Lindo’s nomination is his first Oscar nomination and comes for his portrayal of Delta Slim, a role critics have praised for its emotional depth, complexity and humanity. “Sinners” emerged as one of the most celebrated films of the year, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.

A proud Gator, Lindo returned to SFSU later in life to complete his bachelor’s degree in Cinema, graduating in 2004. He has spoken about how meaningful that decision was, describing SFSU as a place that welcomed him not simply as a successful actor, but as a student eager to deepen his understanding of storytelling, film language and craft.

Lindo has said he was drawn to SFSU’s mission, its diverse student body and its emphasis on social consciousness — values that closely mirror his own approach to acting. He credits the University with giving him space to reflect, grow and engage intellectually with his work.

That sense of belonging keeps Lindo closely connected to the University. He serves on the SFSU Foundation Board, supporting student success and institutional advancement, and has returned to campus to speak with students. 

During a recent visit, Lindo met with Cinema and Project Rebound students, sharing insights about his career and emphasizing that empathy and curiosity are central to meaningful performances. He encouraged students to remain grounded in their humanity, regardless of the industry paths they pursue.

Lindo has been celebrated for roles in films such as “Malcolm X,” “Crooklyn,” “Get Shorty” and “Da 5 Bloods.” He was inducted into the SFSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021.

Two other Gators were also nominated for 2026 Oscars: Christopher Scarabosio (nominated in the Best Sound category for his work on “One Battle After Another”) and Conall Jones (a nominee in the Best Documentary Short category for “All the Empty Rooms”). 

Update: “All the Empty Rooms,” the short film produced by alumnus Conall Jones (B.A., ’05), won the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short category. “All the Empty Rooms” examines the lasting impact of school shootings through the preserved bedrooms of victims. Gloria Cazares, whose 9-year-old daughter Jackie was killed in the Uvalde school shooting, accepted the Oscar on behalf of the film at the Academy Awards ceremony. Jones was profiled in a 2023 SFSU News article that explored his time at the University and his Oscar nomination for “Stranger at the Gate,” another documentary short he produced. 

Delroy Lindo speaks with SFSU students with George and Judy Marcus Endowed Chair in African American Cinema Studies Artel Great. 

Learn more about SFSU’s School of Cinema.