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Oscars 2017: Could Lion's Dev Patel be the first Indian actor to win an Academy Award?
Dev Patel could be the first Indian actor to win an Oscar for his movie Lion.
When the Oscars 2017 nominations came out, we all were overjoyed to see Dev Patel get his first nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Lion. Dev started his film journey back in 2008 when he starred in the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. Nine years later, Dev will be up against a diverse group of actors which include - Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) and Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals).
Lion recalls the story of Saroo Brierley who uses Google Earth to find his parents in India. The movie has also been nominated for Best Film as well as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Nicole Kidman.
However, why is India in particular just as excited as Dev to win the award? The answer is plain and simple as Patel might just become the first full-blood Indian actor to win an Oscar and that will surely be a moment of pride for India.
When he found out that he was nominated, his reaction was humble and sweet. He said, "Ok, so I just received a call to say that I've been nominated for an Academy Award. To be totally honest, the news hasn't made its way into my brain yet, but I'm looking at these beautiful smiling faces around me, faces of the ones I love. And I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What makes this moment so much more poignant is that I've just wrapped shooting another film in India. This enthralling country holds such a deep place in my heart, and it is where Saroo's journey was born. This film would be nothing without Garth Davis. Without his love, commitment and vision this Lion wouldn't have been able to roar. To that extent I want to share this incredible feeling with Luke, Grieg, Jenny Kent, Iain, Angie, Emile, Sunny, Nicole, David, Rooney, Divian, Priyanka, the Brierley family as well as the Weinstein Co team. Lion reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the colour of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin. It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
Dev has already won a BAFTA for his brave portrayal of Saroo. Add an Oscar to that and 2K17 will definitely be the year of Dev Patel.
