Riz Ahmed: The First Pakistani and Muslim to be nominated as ‘best actor’ in Academy Awards
British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed has become the first Muslim star to be nominated in the Best Actor’s category for this year’s Academy Awards.
Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim and the first actor of Pakistani origin to be nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Actor for his performance in Sound of Metal. The film bagged nods for a total of six categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor for Paul Raci, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing and Best Sound.
Expressing his views on the development, the actor said this moment was for every-one who can find themselves getting inspired and connected by it.
“If there’s a way in which people can find themselves in this moment, and can feel inspired and connected on a deeper level, I’m all for it,” he said.
Whether they see me as the first British Pakistani, or the first guy from Wembley, you know, there’s so many ways to view it, but as long as it feels like an opportunity for more people than ever before to really connect and feel included in this moment, that’s a blessing, added Ahmed.
Furthermore, the actor lauded the nomination of nine non-white actors across the four acting categories.
“It’s why we do it, to stretch our hearts and stretch our minds, and in the process stretch culture,” said Riz Ahmed.
“We should stretch culture so that it’s big enough and wide enough and expansive enough so that there’s space for all of us to find ourselves in it, to feel that we belong and that we’re included, and that we matter,” he added.
“These changes aren’t just something that’s good politically or socially. It’s something which allows stories and storytelling to get back to its original intention, which is to embrace all of us.”
Earlier, issuing a statement about the nomination, the Venom star told the press: “I’m honored to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. “
The movie “Sound of Metal ” is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. “In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others,” he concluded.
Who Is Riz Ahmed?
Rizwan Ahmed, 38, also known as Riz MC, is an English actor, musician, and activist. As an actor, he has won a Prime time Emmy Award and London Film Critics’ Circle Award, and had received nominations for two Golden Globe Awards, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, one Academy Award, and three British Independent Film Awards.
