Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo will be flying the flag for the usually well-performing Brits at this year’s Academy Awards.
The Sinners stars are the only U.K. natives to land acting Oscar nominations on Thursday, unveiled by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Notably, Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine) and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good) did not score nods.
Thanks to Mosaku and Lindo, the U.K. is somewhat covered at the 98th Academy Awards — though it’s been a decidedly weaker year for British talent. Had theduo not earned nods, it would have been the first time in nearly 40 years that Britons failed to earn an acting Oscar nomination. This last occurred in 1986.
Nigerian-British actress Mosaku is recognized in the supporting actress category for her role as powerful Hoodoo priestess Annie in Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror, which scored the most Oscar nominations ever. Her character is also the love interest of Michael B. Jordan, who earned an acting nomination for his performance as the Smokestack twins.
It is Mosaku’s first Academy Award nod, but might not come as a surprise after her Sinners win at the Gotham Independent Film Awards, as well as nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Actors Awards. She goes up against Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Amy Madigan (Weapons) and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) at the Mar. 15 ceremony.
On the other hand, Lindo’s supporting actor nomination might be deemed a little unexpected given the tough competition he’s faced through awards season so far, such as Paul Mescal for Hamnet, Miles Caton for Sinners, or Adam Sandler for Jay Kelly. None of those three were named Oscar nominees on Thursday, but Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another) Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) and Stellan Skarsgard (Sentimental Value) were.
Lindo’s solo win for his performance as the harmonica-playing elder Delta Slim came at the Black Film Critics Circle Awards, though Sinners‘ entire ensemble took home best casting at the Critics’ Choice Awards, which the 73-year-old Brit accepted.
Unsurprisingly, Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another continue to be the movies to beat at this year’s Oscars ceremony. Read the full list of 2026 nominees.
