British Pakistan actor Riz Ahmed has swiftly been on the rise with films like ‘Four Lions,’ ‘The Road To Guantanamo’ and more recently the Star Wars Anthology film ‘Rogue One’. The man isn’t just an actor – he’s quite the rapper too, with his band ‘Swet Shop Boys‘ who often sing about racial prejudice, social injustice, and representation of minorities. With his unapologetic demeanor and outspoken personality, he is definitely going places.
Riz just became the first male actor of Pakistani origin to win an Emmy
He’s made history, and stated in his winning speech “I want to say it is always strange reaping the rewards of a story based on real-world suffering, but if the show has shown a light on some of the prejudice in our societies, xenophobia, some of the injustice in our justice system, then maybe that is something.”
The actor collected his accolade for ‘Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series’ for his role in ‘The Night Of’
He plays Naz Khan, a Muslim accused of murdering a girl in New York
Fellow Pakistani-origin actor Kumail Nanjiani was present last night too and supported Riz on his big win
Last known picture of Riz Ahmed (@rizmc) before he was an Emmy winner. pic.twitter.com/sbkrz39JJ1
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) September 18, 2017
Many gave the actor his rightful stature
Riz Ahmed is the name you whisper to get into heaven
— Ira Madison III (@ira) September 18, 2017
And poured out their hearty congratulations
YESSSSS I JUST FOUND OUT RIZ AHMED WON AT THE EMMYS ????
— Crash Bandicoot (@ffs1230) September 18, 2017
There was rightful talk of deservance
@rizmc RIZ CONGRATS!!! Your role in #TheNightOf made me a fan. Brilliant acting, so glad you're recognized for it ???
— Megan (@meg_eh) September 18, 2017
Also, talk of Riz representing the UK
Congratulations to @rizmc for his much deserved Emmy win. What a wonderful ambassador he is for the UK. This is who we are. Isn't it great!
— Eddie Marsan (@eddiemarsan) September 18, 2017
There was talk of how he’s an inspiration for all and how he’s the brown knight in shining armour for everyone!
Congratulations @rizmc on your well deserved #EMMY2017 win. You are a true hero and inspiration for us all ❤️
— Mohammed Salem (@MohammedSalem) September 18, 2017
Riz was part of television history, with a big win for people of color
Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe
Emmy Award winner Aziz Ansari
Emmy Award winner Donald Glover
Emmy award winner Riz Ahmed#Emmys2017— ReBecca Theodore (@FilmFatale_NYC) September 18, 2017
We were alive to witness this!
History makers. @LenaWaithe @donaldglover @rizmc #Emmys ?? pic.twitter.com/PRQ9pf9UUN
— Tye Nevarez (@TyeGrr87) September 18, 2017
And it must be noted that Riz won over respected veterans Robert De Niro, Benedict Cumberbatch and Ewan Mcgregor
RIZ AHMED winning over ROBERT DE NIRO, BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH and EWAN MCGREGOR?
A fucking legend. And so deserving. #Emmys
— Denizcan Targaryen (@MrFilmkritik) September 18, 2017
Riz has always been advocating the importance of justice for minorities and recently talked about it in The House Of Commons
What did you think of Riz’s win? Have you seen The Night Of?