Riz Ahmed, the Pakistani British actor, and musician secured his first Oscar for the short film The Long Goodbye.
The star of ‘Sound of Metal’ played the lead role in the film, which he also co-wrote along with the film’s director Aneil Karia.
Ahmed’s success was announced in advance of the Oscars 2022 ceremony, with Short Film (Live Action) being one of the numerous categories to be dropped from the live televised portion of the event.
While accepting the award, the star said: “In such divided times, we believe that the role of story is to remind us there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’. There’s just ‘us’.”
Riz Ahmed added: “This is for everyone who feels like they don’t belong. Anyone who feels like they’re stuck in no man’s land. You’re not alone. We’ll meet you there. That’s where the future is. Peace.”
The ‘Long Goodbye’ presents music from Ahmed’s 2021 album of the same name, and emphases on a south Asian family in London who are accosted at their home by members of an all-white militia.
Ahmed released the concept album ‘The Long Goodbye’ back in 2020. The LP saw the British-Pakistani actor, musician, and activist relating what it’s like to be Brown and British in the modern-day.
Read more: Oscar nominations 2021: Pakistani-origin actor Riz Ahmed makes history
Moreover, the decision not to broadcast the award, as well as awards comprising Best Editing, Best Production Design, and Best Sound, had encouraged substantial outrage among numerous Oscars viewers and members of the film industry.
Last year, at the Academy Awards, Ahmed was voted for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his character as a punk-metal drummer in Sound of Metal. The movie was also selected for Best Picture.
Besides, “CODA”- deaf drama won for best picture, Will Smith and Jessica Chastain received acting awards, however “Dune” was the overall big winner with trophies in six categories comprising best original score and best cinematography.
