Riz Ahmed to receive British Independent Film Awards’ top honor

Oscar-nominated actor, Riz Ahmed will be presented with the Richard Harris Award which is given to an actor or actress who has “contributed significantly to British films throughout their career”.

The Sound of Metal and The Night Of actor has been a regular at British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), winning eight awards in total from the Brit indie ceremony. Last year, he picked up the Best Debut Screenwriter award for Mogul Mowgli, his first foray into feature film writing, and the Best British Short Film BIFA for The Long Goodbye.

This year, he is nominated in the best actor category for Michael Pearce’s Encounter.

Riz will be joining the ranks of previous honorees, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julie Walters, John Hurt, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent and Glenda Jackson.

“I am grateful to the British Independent Film community for their immense support throughout all these years,” said Riz according to an official report.

“To receive the Richard Harris Award at the BIFAs this year is a true honor, I hope to be able to continue to learn from those who came before me while encouraging the rising generation to follow their creative dreams.”

Riz has also become one of the most notable British advocates for diversity on screen, recently launching a new initiative for Muslim representation in media.

I'm fed up of seeing Muslim characters on screen either negative or non existent. The industry must change. Our new study proves what many of us always felt about #MuslimsInFilm. The cost is measured in hate & lost lives. Full speech here: https://t.co/bsfpQw4Wfe pic.twitter.com/2itt6IaESB

— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) June 10, 2021

“In all that he does, Riz demonstrates that an actor’s contributions need not be confined to the dimensions of the screen,” stated a statement by BIFA.

“The choices he makes both as a filmmaker, as a performer and as an activist highlight his continued commitment to building an industry that better represents the audiences it serves. We’re delighted that Riz is accepting this year’s Richard Harris Award in recognition of his outstanding work, both on-screen and off.”

We're thrilled to present Riz Ahmed with the #BIFA2021 Richard Harris Award. 🏆

The choices he makes as a filmmaker, a performer and as an activist highlight his continued commitment to building an industry that better represents the audiences it serves.https://t.co/yQleUXMYLP pic.twitter.com/toKwZitAkR

— BIFA (@BIFA_film) November 29, 2021

The British Independent Film Awards will take place in London on December 5.