After a racial slur and an underdog narrative, ‘Sinners’ elevated its chances for Oscar gold

Delroy Lindo flashed a grateful smile as he and “Sinners’ producer-writer-director Ryan Coogler took in a rousing standing ovation at last month’s NAACP Image Awards. “We appreciate all the support we’ve been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend,” the veteran actor said in his first public appearance following the uproar that erupted when he and fellow “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan were confronted with a racial slur at the BAFTA Awards six days prior.Added Lindo: “It’s a classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive.” That positivity, some awards prognosticators contend, may have moved “Sinners” within striking distance of the winner’s circle at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Jordan’s and Lindo’s handling of the BAFTA incident, along with warmly received victories for the “Sinners” cast at the Actor Awards on March 1, has given the Warner Bros. release unexpected momentum leading up to Sunday’s Oscars ceremony.