Riz Ahmed

The 25th Annual Webby Awards is delighted to honor Riz Ahmed as the 2021 Webby Best Actor for his powerful work in the role of Ruben in the Amazon Prime film Sound of Metal. 

A revered star of screen and studio, whenever Riz Ahmed involves himself in a project, it is sure to spark deep, societal conversations. That’s one reason that Sound of Metal is one of the most compelling films released in the past year. As Ruben, a heavy-metal drummer who starts losing his hearing, Ahmed brings complexity and heart to his character as he stays with a deaf community and copes with how to accept his new reality. Moreover, Ahmed has long brought his artistry to streaming platforms, namely through his roles in HBO’s The Night Of, Netflix’s The OA and more. During a time in which creatives and important topics have had the opportunity to reach new audiences through streaming, it is more impressive than ever to see brilliant actors like Riz Ahmed spread his wings with roles that feel all at once unique, personal, and expansive. 

For bringing his immense talents to the streaming screen in Sound of Metal, it is our privilege to honor Riz Ahmed as the 2021 Webby Best Actor.