Ryan Coogler and Delroy Lindo Receive Outpouring of Support at NAACP Image Awards

The director and actor addressed the BAFTA controversy during their presentation at the awards show.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Following a controversial incident at the BAFTA Awards in London where a racial slur was aired during a delayed broadcast, director Ryan Coogler and actor Delroy Lindo used their time on stage at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena to acknowledge the massive wave of love and support they have received. Lindo expressed gratitude for the community's backing, while Coogler emphasized the importance of having a space where Black stories and experiences are the main focus, not footnotes.

Why it matters

The BAFTA incident highlighted ongoing issues of racial insensitivity and lack of representation in the entertainment industry. Coogler and Lindo's powerful remarks at the NAACP Image Awards underscored the need for spaces that celebrate and uplift Black excellence, creativity, and humanity.

The details

During the NAACP Image Awards, Regina Hall asked the audience to 'take a moment for the two kings who are in this audience,' referring to Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The room responded with a thunderous standing ovation, which Hall said was a direct nod to the composure the men maintained after the BAFTA incident. When Coogler and Lindo later took the stage to present, Lindo expressed appreciation for the 'incredible support' they had received. Coogler echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being in a space where Black stories are the 'main text,' not footnotes. The duo closed their remarks by celebrating the depth of their community and the power of telling stories truthfully.

  • The BAFTA Awards controversy occurred last weekend.
  • The NAACP Image Awards took place on March 1, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coogler

An American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for directing critically acclaimed films such as 'Fruitvale Station,' 'Creed,' and 'Black Panther.'

Delroy Lindo

A veteran American actor known for his roles in films like 'Malcolm X,' 'The Cider House Rules,' and 'Da 5 Bloods.'

Regina Hall

An American actress and comedian who hosted the NAACP Image Awards ceremony.

Michael B. Jordan

An American actor known for his roles in 'Fruitvale Station,' 'Creed,' and 'Black Panther,' which he starred in alongside Ryan Coogler.

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What they’re saying

“Before we start, I'd just like to officially say, we appreciate — I appreciate — we appreciate all the support and the love that we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us.”

— Delroy Lindo, Actor (NAACP Image Awards)

“There's something powerful about standing in this room — a room where we don't have to explain ourselves, or our stories aren't footnotes. They're the main text.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director (NAACP Image Awards)

“Nights like this remind us that when we tell our stories truthfully, we show up as we are. We create space for each other. Space to grow. Space to lead. Space to shine.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director (NAACP Image Awards)

What’s next

The BAFTA Awards organization has pledged to review its policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The takeaway

Coogler and Lindo's powerful remarks at the NAACP Image Awards underscored the vital importance of spaces that celebrate and uplift Black excellence, creativity, and humanity in the face of ongoing challenges and controversies in the entertainment industry.