Egypt’s Amir El-Masry is selected for BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits

CAIRO - 17 November 2020: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the 2020 BAFTA Breakthrough participants, including the prominent Egyptian star Amir El-Masry, to become the first star of Egyptian origin to join this list after a long repertoire of total 24 international works since 2013.

“Thank you BAFTA for your continuous support - a privilege to be amongst these incredible creatives and be a BAFTA breakthrough Brit this year alongside @BASharrock and @IruneGurtubai” tweeted El Masry.

This year, the BAFTA Breakthrough has selected 34 talents through cross-industry global juries comprised of leading industry professionals, including Jude Law, Amma Asante, Edward Enninful, Melissa Johns and Fiona Shaw.

Amir El-Masry was chosen among the talents that have recently appeared on the scene in the United Kingdom, especially after his role in the new film “Limbo”, which will compete at the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).

The BAFTA Breakthrough Brits showcases and supports the next generation of British creative talent in film, TV and games.

BAFTA supports each Breakthrough Brit by working with them to tailor a programme of support, mentoring and career development in conjunction with industry professionals.

Born in Cairo and raised in London, Amir El-Masry is an Egyptian-British award-winning actor who worked with salient stars such as Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, and Woody Harrelson.

El-Masry has had leading roles in successful Egyptian films such as “Ramadan Mabrouk Abul-Alamein Hamouda” and “El-Talatah Yishtaghaloonha” ( The Three Are deceiving her).

Shortly after graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Amir started his acting career with Jon Stewart's debut feature “Rosewater” (2014). 

He has starred in various critically acclaimed projects, establishing himself as an emerging British talent.

His breakout role came in early 2016 in the critically acclaimed mini-series “The Night Manager”, alongside Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman. 

In 2017, El-Masry took part in Woody Harrelson’s American film “Lost in London” and the critically acclaimed BAFTA nominated mini-series “The State”.

Later on, Masry portrayed the character of Ibrahim in the TV series Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, which is nominated for three Primetime Emmys awards. 

He also took part in the BAFTA TV Award nominated series, Informer.

Among his most prominent works, is the lead role in The “Arabian Warrior” film, which is the first American/Saudi feature-length film. 

His participation in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker is one of his most prominent cinematic steps. 

Currently, Amir El-Masry’s latest series is airing on HBO platform. 

El-Masry is competing within the Cairo International Film Festival with his new film Limbo that took part in the Cannes Film Festival and won the TCM Youth Jury Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.