Riz Ahmed Receives Prestigious Honor for His 'Outstanding Contribution to British Films'

Riz Ahmed is being honored for his outstanding contribution to the British film industry.
It was announced today that the prolific actor is the latest recipient of the British Independent Film Awards' Richard Harris Award, named in honor of the late Harry Potter actor.
He follows in the footsteps of previous winners including Emma Thompson, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julie Walters, and Daniel Day-Lewis. Glenda Jackson collected the most recent Richard Harris Award earlier this year.
Ahmed has already racked up eight nominations at British Independent Film Awards over the years, including Best Actor nods for his performances in Shifty, Four Lions, Ill Manors, and Mogul Mowgli. He has also made history as the first Muslim to be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars (for The Sound of Metal) and the first actor of South Asian heritage to win a Primetime Emmy in an acting category (for The Night Of). 
Ahmed said in a statement: "I am grateful to the British independent film community for their immense support throughout all these years. 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.” 
Damian Harris, son of the late Richard Harris, added: "Riz has already had an extremely impressive career, as an actor, producer, and activist. He is a worthy winner of the Richard Harris award for his work and contribution to British independent film.”
We can catch him next in the sci-fi thriller Encounter, which opens in theaters Friday (December 3).
Are you glad to see Riz Ahmed honored for his outstanding contribution?