Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali is an actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. Ali developed his craft through formal training, earning a bachelor's degree in communications before completing an M.F.A. at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He began his professional career with the California Shakespeare Festival and built his resume with television roles before moving into major film projects.

Ali gained recognition for his portrayal of Remy Danton in the Netflix series "House of Cards," earning an Emmy nomination. He appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film "Hidden Figures" and delivered a supporting performance in Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight," which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as a SAG Award, Critics' Choice Movie Award, and New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Ali won a second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Green Book," a film exploring the relationship between Don Shirley, an African American classical pianist, and his driver during a tour of the American South. This achievement made him the first Black actor in Academy history to win two Oscars in the same category and the second Black actor to win more than one acting Oscar. Ali also received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program as an executive producer for "We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest," and a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for "True Detective."

Ali's filmography includes "Leave the World Behind," Apple TV+'s "Swan Song," and voice work in the "Spider-Verse" animated films. He narrated the Netflix documentary "Chimp Empire," which earned him an Emmy nomination. Ali has also starred in "Jurassic World: Rebirth" and joined the second season of HBO's "Task." In 2026, he starred in "Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother." His career encompasses a wide range of roles, reflecting his versatility and ongoing influence in the entertainment industry, with a focus on drama, biographical films, and socially relevant storytelling.