BAFTA Breaks Barriers with Groundbreaking Acting Nomination
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has made gaming history by nominating Navid Negahban for his performance in 1979 Revolution: Black Friday - marking the first time a Middle Eastern Muslim actor has received this prestigious recognition in the UK.
About the Groundbreaking Game
Developed by Brooklyn-based Ink Stories and released in April 2016, 1979 Revolution: Black Friday is a narrative-driven game that explores the complexities of the Iranian Revolution. The project has earned significant acclaim for director Navid Khonsari, an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker and former Rockstar Games developer known for his work on the Grand Theft Auto series.
The Historic Nomination
Negahban, best known for his roles in Homeland and American Sniper, received the Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of Hajj Agha. The nomination comes at a politically charged moment, as Ink Stories noted in their statement:
“This acknowledgement arrives during a sensitive period when U.S. policies target immigration from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iran. Our cast and team include immigrants, refugees, and naturalized citizens from Iran.”
Image Credit: BAFTA/Ink Stories
The Power of Interactive Storytelling
Khonsari, who previously worked on documentary films, believes strongly in games as a transformative medium:
“Gaming is the most powerful medium because it puts you in someone else’s shoes. While many see the world in black and white, we aim to show the gray areas through immersive experiences.”
The director revealed that the game has been banned in Iran, where he’s been labeled a spy - preventing him from attending industry events in Tehran.
A Personal Journey for the Actor
Negahban’s performance carried extra significance, as Khonsari explained:
“Navid courageously confronted his own memories of the revolution as a teenager in Tehran. He channeled those experiences - the horrors, euphoria, and social upheaval - into his powerful portrayal of Hajj.”
This nomination represents a milestone for diversity in gaming and entertainment, showcasing how interactive media can bridge cultural divides and share important historical perspectives.
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