British-Pakistani actor, Riz Ahmed, made history on Monday morning, March 15, by scoring an Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category. He is the first Muslim actor nominated in the category for his performance in 'Sound of Metal.'
Previously, Mahershala Ali was the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for Moonlight and Green Book.
This year's Oscars has been historic for nominating a total of nine non-white actors in the four acting categories, with former Walking Dead star, Steven Yeun becoming the first Asian-American nominee in the ceremony's history.
Amazon’s 'Sound of Metal,' earned six nominations in 2021 including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor for Paul Raci, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
Riz Ahmed talked to Deadline with regard to his nomination. “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."
“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.”
Ahmed added, “It’s why we do it, to stretch our hearts and stretch our minds, and in the process stretch culture. 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. 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.”
Previously, Ahmed posted an official statement, “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. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci, as well as our editor Mikkel, sound designer Nicolas, and co-writer Abe Marder. These nominations represents the time, generosity and talents of so many — all of our incredible cast, crew, producers, and in particular I’d like to thank my mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/deaf communities.”
Curtain will lift on the 93rd Academy Awards on April 25.
