Oscars 2021: Riz Ahmed becomes first Muslim nominated for best actor

Riz Ahmed has become the first Muslim to be nominated for best actor at the Oscars, and reacted by speaking about the role of art in ’embracing all of us’.

The actor has been given a nod for his performance in the film, in which he plays a drummer who loses his hearing.

Riz is up against Sir Anthony Hopkins, Chadwick Boseman, Gary Oldman and Steven Yeun for the prize.

He said in a statement: ‘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.’

The British star continued: ‘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.’

Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim to win an Academy Award in 2017, when he won best supporting actor for Moonlight, and again in 2019 for Green Book.

He also tweeted: ‘Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement.’

Sound of Metal is also in the running for best picture alongside The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

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