With the Golden Globes ceremony just ending now, we can’t help but be happy at the slowly but surely rising Arab representation in the media. Within the recent years there has been a rise of various movies and television series that are getting out of Hollywood’s comfort zone and showcasing different ethnicities’, cultures and minority groups. With that being said, when it comes to award shows Hollywood often doesn’t have the greatest record showcasing shows/movies by many impeccable minority groups and the talent that is held within these actors/actresses. Ramy Youssef and Tahar Rahmin; these two Arab actors scoring Golden Globe nominations this year, and we are all here for it.
Arab representation is growing in the Hollywood industry; Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef, and French- Algerian actor Tahar Rahmin have been nominated for the categories of Television Comedy, Musical, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. It is so important for us to recognize the way the world is changing, and the several steps various industries, especially like Hollywood, are taking to showcase minority groups and shed a light on their journey in navigating a society that is often hard to fit into. The representation of Middle Easterns, and Arab Muslims is especially important because of the way they are negatively portrayed in the media. It is important to understand that in positive representation is important for every majority and minority group. We are so happy to showcase two individuals that identify as part of the Arab community who are positively taking Hollywood by a storm.
Ramy Youssef
Born and raised in New York city, Ramy is an Egyptian stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and director known for his role as Ramy Hassan on the Hulu comedy series Ramy. He has previously received a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his role in the series, he has also been nominated for two Primetime Emmy awards for Outstanding Directing for a comedy series and outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. Just recently, this beloved Arab actor has scored another Golden Globe nomination.
His series, ‘Ramy’ follows a first generation Muslim man who is on his spirtual journey while living in his small hometown of New Jeresey. The show showcases his dilemma between his Egyotian community that thinks life is a moral test and living amongst a generation that thinks life has no consequences. Check out Susan’s take on the Arab, Muslim and Female representation by the show.
Tahar Rahmin
Born in Belfort, France; Rahmin is a French-Algerian actor that has starred in several award-winning films like A prophet, The Looming Tower, and Mary Magdalene. His talent has scored him a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the film The Mauritanian. He has been nominated for Best Actor.
The film, ‘The Mauritanian’ follows Rahim who is captured by the U.S government and is held in a Guantanamo Bay detention camp without charge or trial. Slowly losing faith, he allies with defense attorney, Nancy Hollander and her associate Teri Duncan. Together, they go on the journey for justice for Rahim and unravel various conspiracies and fabricated evidence.
We are so proud of these two Arab actors scoring Golden Globe nominations for their hard work and we thank Golden Globes for adding more diversity. Hopefully in the future we are able to witness more change and shed a positive light on all minority groups and their achievement in such a big industry like Hollywood.
By Mariam Asif
@marr_2000
