Riz Ahmed becomes first Asian, Muslim to win Oscar for 'best live-action short film'

Riz Ahmed becomes first Asian, Muslim to win Oscar for 'best live-action short film'
Riz Ahmed starred, co-wrote and contributed music to The Long Goodbye film, which shares its name with an album released by the British-Pakistani actor.
1 min read
28 March, 2022
Ahmed's latest accolade comes after he missed out on an Oscar at last year's awards [Getty]

Riz Ahmed became the first actor of Asian and Muslim background to win an Oscar for 'best-live action short film' on Sunday for his part in The Long Goodbye.

Ahmed, 39, starred, co-wrote, and contributed music to the film, which shares its name with an album released by the British-Pakistani actor.

"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," Ahmed said in his acceptance speech.

The accolade comes a year after Ahmed was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in 'Sound of Metal', however, he lost out on the 'best actor' prize to Anthony Hopkins.

Directed by Aneil Karia, The Long Goodbye depicts a South Asian family in London whose plans for a celebration turn into a nightmare when an all-white mob begins marching through their neighbourhood.

Ahmed previously broke barriers at the Emmys in 2017 for his role in The Night Of, becoming the first Muslim and Asian actor to win in a lead acting category.