Mahershala Ali, born Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore on February 16, 1974, is an American actor renowned for his remarkable performances across various areas of the film industry. He has received numerous accolades, such as two Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. List by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019, Ali's impact on the cinematic world is unmistakeable. His acting career launched with series such as Crossing Jordan and Threat Matrix before his breakthrough role as Richard Tyler in the science fiction series The 4400. Ali's first major film role was in the David Fincher-directed fantasy The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. His performances in Moonlight and Green Book earned him Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Today, he's recognized as the first Black actor to win two Academy Awards in the same category, and the second Black actor to win multiple acting Oscars.

Beyond his renown in film and television, Ali took his talents beyond acting to music. As Prince Ali, he recorded rap music with the Bay Area recording label Hieroglyphics Imperium during the late 2000s. His personal life includes a commitment to faith - pursuing Ahmadiyya Islam in 2000. Married to actress and musician Amatus Sami-Karim, the couple have one daughter together. Regarded for his acting prowess and influence, Ali's journey continues to inspire and influence the world of film - most recently narrating the Netflix documentary Chimp Empire, which earned him his fifth Emmy nomination.