Celebrating Britain's 101 Most Influential Asians 2024

© Asian Media Group - 2024

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Riz Ahmed


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HE IS ONE of the most able and multi-faceted British actors of recent times, demonstrating his ability to excel in any role, whether portraying a wealthy magnate or a musician grappling with hearing loss. Ahmed’s journey from a diverse London suburb of Wembley to global recognition as a trailblazing figure encompasses a steadfast commitment to authenticity, social change, and artistic excellence. He made history as the first Muslim and south Asian male to win an acting Emmy and the first Muslim nominated for the Oscars Best Actor category. An artist of many talents, Ahmed has carved out a niche for himself as an actor, musician and social advocate. His body of work spans various mediums, and his dedication to promoting equity in the arts has marked him as a figure of considerable influence. His involvement extended beyond acting, as he also starred in and coproduced his own feature film Mogul Mowgli (2021), earning praise not only as an actor but also as a debut screenwriter. Hailing from London with Pakistani heritage, Ahmed has made a name for himself with his arresting and powerful work. Some of his standout films include Sound of Metal (2020), The Night Of (2016), The OA (2016–2019), and Nightcrawler (2014). His performances in Nightcrawler and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) have garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In 2021, he became the first Muslim nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars for The Sound of Metal, portraying a drummer grappling with deafness, though ultimately losing out to Anthony Hopkins. Ahmed clinched an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film with The Long Goodbye in 2022. His accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in The Night Of. The

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