From a Christian Family to an Oscar-Winning Muslim Actor
The idea of the film industry and a Muslim actor might sound peculiar, doesn’t it? With technology playing a significant role in our lives, most of us have developed a habit of watching movies and TV series. We’ve gone beyond just watching and spend hours discussing the actors, analyzing them almost like directors, from DiCaprio to Johnny Depp.
In addition to all this, the industry is often portrayed to us as if Muslims have no presence in it, perhaps deliberately excluded from this field. But is this really the case? Our thoughts on this matter are reshaped by a renowned actor who has excelled in the industry and stands out with his Muslim identity. The famous figure we are referring to challenges our assumptions about cinema. Get ready, there is a new face among the Oscar winners, and he is one of us.
Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Juan in the film “Moonlight.” With this achievement, he became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar, leaving his mark in history. Born on February 16, 1974, in California, USA, Ali, the son of a Christian minister, converted to Islam in 2000.
Mahershala Karim Ali
Born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore (a name of a prophet mentioned in the Bible), the American actor changed his name to Mahershala Karim Ali after embracing Islam.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” is a film that questions who we are and our purpose in this life. It captures our interest through a dramatic story and touches on small points that we all may encounter in life.
The film is set in a poor and crime-ridden neighborhood where African Americans live in Miami. It explores Chiron’s struggle to find his place in the world from childhood to adulthood. Considering that humans are constantly in search of meaning, the film speaks to all people from an equal perspective. Chiron faces challenging times due to his drug-addicted mother. Mahershala Ali plays the role of Juan, a kind of savior for Chiron. Despite being a drug dealer himself, Juan approaches Chiron with love and serves as a mentor.
Ali’s performance, as well as the success of the Juan character, received great acclaim from international audiences. So much so that Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was also nominated for the Golden Globe.
In an era when the media is determined to fit Muslims into a mold, Mahershala Ali’s significant success showcases another face of Muslims to the world.
