Omar Sy

Omar Sy is a French actor and producer recognized for his work in French and international cinema. Known for his versatility across genres including sketch comedy, mystery, and drama, Sy has appeared in both French and English-language productions. He began his career at Radio Nova, where he met comedy partner Fred Testot. The duo gained recognition in France for their comedy sketches on the television show "Service après-vente des émissions" on Canal+. After several years of comedy appearances on radio and television, Sy transitioned to French cinema, taking on small roles before securing major parts in films by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, such as "Nos jours heureux" and "Tellement proches."

Sy's performance in "The Intouchables" brought him widespread acclaim. The film, centered on the relationship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caregiver, became one of the highest-grossing French films at the French box office. Sy received the César Award for Best Actor for his role, becoming the first Black actor to win the honor. He also earned the Tokyo International Film Festival Best Actor Award and the Globe de Cristal for Best Actor for the same performance.

Following his success in France, Sy moved to Los Angeles and appeared in major productions such as "X-Men: Days of Future Past," "Jurassic World," "Chocolat," "Inferno," and "Transformers: The Last Knight." He was nominated for a second César Award for Best Actor for his lead role in the biopic "Chocolat." His role in Ron Howard's "Inferno" contributed to a significant worldwide box office gross.

Sy's international profile expanded with the Netflix series "Lupin," a Paris-set heist drama in which he plays Assane Diop, a thief inspired by the literary character Arsène Lupin. "Lupin" ranks among Netflix's most-watched non-English TV shows, alongside "Money Heist" and "Squid Game." The series has received multiple Golden Globe nominations, a Best Drama Series nomination at the International Emmy Awards, and a Critics' Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Series.

Sy was included on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world following the debut of "Lupin." He has also launched the production company Carrousel Studios with director Louis Leterrier and producer Thomas Benski. Off-screen, Sy is a co-owner of Paris Basketball. His career spans comedy, Hollywood blockbusters, and globally recognized television, establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.