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 Danish animated film Flee, executive produced by his company Left Handed Films, also earned nominations for Best Documentary, International Feature and Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Flee portrays the real-life story of Amin, a gay Afghan refugee, blending animation with a poignant narrative.
Moreover, Ahmed has garnered numerous festival and critics’ awards and received nominations for prestigious honours such as the Golden Globe Awards, Bafta Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards for his remarkable performances in earlier films such as Ill Manors, and Shifty and Four Lions (2010). In July 2023, Ahmed received a career achievement award at the 76th Locarno Film Festival held in the scenic resort city of Locarno, Switzerland. The festival served as the premiere venue for Ahmed’s latest short film, Dammi, directed by Yann Mounir Demange. Exploring themes of immigration and identity, the film features an impressive cast including French actress Isabelle Adjani, along with Souheila Yacoub, Sandor Funtek and Suzy Bemba. Ahmed harnessed the potency of storytelling, highlighting how storytellers invite audiences to immerse themselves in others’ experiences and embark on a collective voyage. Through his social media platform, he has been raising societal issues, including media representation and racial inequality, advocating for positive transformation within society. Ahmed recently addressed the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, condemning the violence in Gaza and emphasising the universal human experience. He called for empathy, understanding and action to prevent further loss of innocent lives, highlighting the urgency of the situation and advocating for a just peace. Ahmed’s impassioned plea resonated with many, echoing the sentiments of those who believe in the importance of shared humanity in times of conflict. In a social media post, Ahmed emphasised, “As storytellers, we step into others’ shoes, inviting audiences on that journey with us. It’s effective because beneath our differences, we share the same emotions: fear, joy, grief, and hope.” Ahmed articulated that amidst the conflict, there is not a duality of sides, but rather a singular essence: “humanity”. “We often hear of two sides to the Israel-Palestine situation. Yet, at the core, I believe there is only one side – the side of our humanity,” he said. “The recent events in Israel were deeply troubling and unjust.
The profound anguish and fear felt by many cannot be overlooked. Similarly, the ongoing plight in Gaza, along with the enduring struggles of Palestinians living under occupation for decades, are equally distressing and unjust. We cannot ignore the profound suffering and harsh realities that persist.” The Pillars Artist Fellowship, founded by Pillars, Ahmed and Left Handed Films, aims to support Muslim directors and writers, while addressing the negative portrayal of Muslims in cinema. Research by Pillars in September 2022 revealed a stark under representation of Muslims in popular television series, perpetuating stereotypes and erasure. Ahmed emphasises the significance of accurate Muslim representation, highlighting its impact on societal perceptions and the need for networks and streaming services to prioritise diverse narratives. He expressed a commitment to breaking genre boundaries through Left Handed Films, aiming to collaborate with diverse voices in the industry. He highlighted the film’s multifaceted nature, contrasting it with the distinct style of The Long Goodbye, emphasising the need for broader storytelling perspectives. Ahmed’s Left-Handed Films co-produced Joyland, the first Pakistani feature film shortlisted for an Academy Award and directed by a Pakistani filmmaker. It enjoyed its world premiere in Cannes. The film tells a poignant love story between a transgender dance-hall star and a married man in Lahore. Ahmed describes it as groundbreaking yet emotionally resonant. Ahmed, raised in the UK, splits his time between Britain and the US. A graduate of the University of Oxford in 2003 with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics, he first gained global recognition for his role in HBO’s The Night Of, earning a spot on Time magazine’s cover. His production company, Left Handed Films, is involved in various projects, including the development of the comedy series The Son of Good Fortune with Lulu Wang’s Local Time for Amazon. Additionally, Ahmed is set to star in David MacKenzie’s upcoming thriller Relay, alongside Lily James. In early 2021, Ahmed shared a personal milestone on the Grounded podcast hosted by Louis Theroux and discussed his marriage. Shortly after, he introduced his partner, Fatima Farheen Mirza, a distinguished American author to the world. Her debut novel, A Place for Us, catapulted her to literary prominence, securing a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list and earning her recognition as a ‘5 Under 35’ Honouree by the National Book Foundation in 2020. Her work is celebrated for its depth and exploration of themes such as family dynamics, identity and the sense of belonging. Ahmed’s journey, both as a public figure and in his personal life, is characterised by a dedication to his art and a conscious effort to balance visibility with privacy. As he continues to make waves in the entertainment industry and beyond, his actions and choices reflect a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world while honouring his own boundaries.
