New Delhi: If ‘desi girl’ Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas created history by announcing nominations for this year’s Academy Awards, a British Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed has recorded his name in history books by becoming the first ever Muslim to be nominated in Best Actor category.

Riz Ahmed has been nominated for his stunning performance in ‘Sound of Metal’. In the movie, Ahmed stars as Ruben, a rock-and-roll drummer and recovering addict who loses his hearing.

The nomination also makes Ahmed the first performer of Pakistani descent to land in any acting race.

The British-Pakistani actor, previously became the first Muslim and first Asian to win a lead acting Emmy in 2017 when he picked up the prize for lead actor in HBO mini-series “The Night of.”

 

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Taking to Twitter, Ahmed expressed his happiness and thanked the whole team of ‘Sound of Metal’ and wrote, “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. 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… pic.twitter.com/7q27wrMpUb

— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) March 15, 2021

In an email statement, 38-year-old actor thanked “mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/deaf communities” for helping to guide his performance. While talking about the film he said, “(it’s) about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways.”

and in particular I’d like to thank my mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/deaf communities… pic.twitter.com/qRrtZDSJts

— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) March 15, 2021

He also said, “In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others.”

Riz Ahmed, 1st Muslim to win Emmy Award

Riz also created history in 2017 when he became the first Muslim to win an Emmy award for his performance in HBO’s ‘The Night Of’.

Besides, Oscars, Ahmed has also received nominations for BAFTA, SAG Award, Golden Globes and Spirit Awards in the lead actor category.

Riz Ahmed acted in these movies

In January 2021, Riz revealed that he had married American novelist Fatima Farheen Mirza. He is an established actor musician, and activist.

Ahmed has also been seen in films such as “Rogue One,” “Venom,” “The Sisters Brothers,” “Nightcrawler,” “Four Lions” and the recent “Mogul Mowgli,” which he also co-wrote. He also has a career as a rapper and musician and in 2020 released the album “The Long Goodbye.”