Riz Ahmed to Receive BIFA's Richard Harris Award

British Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed will receive the British Independent Film Awards’ top honor, The Richard Harris Award, which is presented annually by the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

The prize is given in recognition of an actor or actress who has contributed significantly to British films.

Ahmed first broke out in the 2006 movie "Road to Guantanamo" and has since become a major international star with his roles in "Nightcrawler", "Rogue One", "Jason Bourne", "Venom", and recent indie hit" The Sound of Metal", the latter had earned an Oscar nomination.

In addition, he has amassed eight BIFA nominations over the years.

In 2020, he claimed both the best debut screenwriter award for "Mogul Mowgli", his first foray as a feature film writer, and the best British short film for "The Long Goodbye", which he co-created and starred in.

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

Ahmed has also become one of the most prominent British advocates for persity on screen and had recently launched a new initiative for Muslim representation in media.

“I am grateful to the British Independent Film community for their immense support throughout all these years,” said Ahmed in a statement on Monday.

“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.” He added.

Ahmed is currently working on a film adaptation of author Mosin Hamid’s best-selling book, "Exit West", directed by Yann Demange, via his production company Left Handed.

The British Independent Film Awards will be held in London on December 5.