Oscars 2021: 10 Actors Likely To Get Their First Oscar Nomination This Year
2. Riz Ahmed - Sound Of Metal
Riz Ahmed first won over critics and audiences with his acclaimed leading turn in The Night Of which won him an Emmy in 2017. Since then, Ahmed has kept a relatively low profile with the biggest exceptions being the surprisingly exciting Rogue One and the profoundly misguided Venom. Now, he's back at the forefront showing off his range and skill as Ruben, a drummer who starts to lose his hearing in the Sound of Metal.
Ahmed is continuing to build momentum in the Best Actor race and is becoming the dark horse of the season as he recently showed by upsetting at the Gotham Awards. The film is a universal and relevant exploration of an issue that deserves more exposure and understanding and Ahmed is at the heart of why it works so well.
As the Sound of Metal continues to get more attention, it is likely the film will become a prominent contender in several categories but most of all will be Riz Ahmed. The actor should not be underestimated in this race and neither should the film as a whole.