From terrorists to critical darlings: Muslim men in Hollywood

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By Fareeha Molvi

(This piece was originally published on Instagram on September 14, 2020)

Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef is nominated for his first Emmy this Sunday, joined by his co-star, two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. The fact that two Muslim men are up for yet another round of awards is mind-boggling given that several years ago, Muslim men were only cast as extremists. They join the likes of Riz Ahmed and Hasan Minhaj – acclaimed Muslim artists who have been recognized in the last few years for their works that have nothing to do with terrorism. 

After many years of championing Islamophobic shows like “24” and “Homeland,” it seems Hollywood has developed a taste for Muslim men. But how did we get here?

It’s a combination of a few factors. A generation of Muslim artists, shaped by a post 9/11-world, take it upon themselves to humanize portrayals of Muslims and Islam. At the same time, social media has created space for the audience to call out racism and xenophobia within institutions that have long gone unchecked, enter: #Oscarssowhite. Not to mention, the current administration has become a lightning rod for these issues countered by a very clear cultural backlash, forcing the entertainment industry to do better, bringing us to this unprecedented moment.

Bravo for cultural shifts in Hollywood! But also, still waiting for the same recognition of Muslim women’s stories.