Azan Ahmed picked up the Outstanding Stage Performance honour at this year’s Asian Media Awards.
Journalists and filmmakers joined content creators and actors at the 13th ceremony in Manchester.
The awards celebrate achievements in a range of categories in journalism, investigations, TV, radio, stage, online and creative media.
The ceremony is supported by the University of Salford and took place at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel on Friday (October 31). It follows a shortlist announcement which was held at BBC Broadcasting House in London.
Azan Ahmed plays Yusuf in Statues and paid tribute to his fellow nominees and actors.
He said: “I am eternally grateful to the Asian Media Awards for this recognition.
“Thank you to the Bush Theatre & Two Magpies Productions for championing me as an actor-writer. I share this award with our incredible Statues team.
“We made a show which highlighted all the beautiful possibilities British-Muslim men hold but are forced to hold down. I hope this win encourages us to make from the heart, to use performance as a bridge of empathy – we never know who we’ll reach.”
Presenting this year’s award was broadcaster and journalist Monika Plaha.
Azan starred in and wrote this heart-warming and poignant production about a son searching for answers following the death of his father.
Whilst sifting through his father’s belongings he discovers two old cassette tapes which begin to unravel the life of the man who appeared to be a ‘statue’ and did little else but watch TV.
Azan takes on the role of several characters as we begin to unravel unknown journey his father took. Alongside co-star Jonny Khan, the duo delve into the life of a man who once charmed those around him in the 90s.
Ahmed’s captivating performances were praised with his ‘decision to have him play all his relatives, transforming seamlessly into each character – a masterstroke’.
