Published By: Sayan Paul

Birthday Special: Dev Patel's Top Achievements - From Oscar Nomination to British Academy Film Award

Over the past two decades, Dev Patel has only grown stronger, and Indians couldn’t be prouder of his incredible journey.

“The eyes, chico. They never lie.” And when it comes to Dev Patel, that line couldn’t be more accurate. One look into those soulful eyes and you're sold—no questions asked. Everything else he does—delivering powerful performances, pulling off intense action scenes, even directing now—that’s all just bonus content. Dev Patel has this rare charm that makes him instantly lovable, and an acting style that feels both raw and real. From the awkward teenager in 'Skins' to the fierce fighter in 'Monkey Man', he has grown into a force to be reckoned with. And while the world rightly adores him, Indians have a special place in their hearts for him. Maybe it's the roots, maybe it's the pride of watching one of our own shine so bright on a global stage. Or maybe—we’ll admit it—it’s just those ridiculously expressive eyes. Either way, Patel is an emotion, and one that we’re all happily hooked on.

Born on April 23, 1990, Dev Patel - an English actor and filmmaker with Indian origin - celebrates his 35th birthday today. On this occasion, let's have a look at some of his biggest achievements so far.

Academy Award Nomination – Lion

This one’s big. In 2017, Patel was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 89th Academy Awards for his heartbreaking performance as Saroo Brierley in 'Lion'. The film tells the true story of an Indian boy adopted by an Australian couple who uses Google Earth to find his way back home.

Though he didn’t win, just getting that nomination was historic. He became only the third actor of Indian descent ever to be nominated for an Oscar in an acting category. And how did he take it? In his usual charmingly humble way, he said, “This is beyond anything I could have ever imagined... It’s like a dream.” The nomination catapulted him from "talented actor" to "serious Oscar contender" — a shift that opened doors to better, bolder roles.

BAFTA Win – Lion

If the Oscar nomination was a tap on the back, the BAFTA Award win for Best Supporting Actor was a big, fat hug from the industry. At the 70th British Academy Film Awards, Patel took home the gold, becoming the first actor of Indian origin to win in that category.

 

(Credit: BBC News Entertainment)

He was visibly emotional during his acceptance speech, dedicating the win to the real Saroo and his mother. It was truly a defining moment that solidified him as a top-tier actor.

Two Golden Globe Nominations – Lion & The Personal History of David Copperfield

Patel has earned two Golden Globe nominations so far. His first came in 2017 for 'Lion', again in the Supporting Actor category. The second followed in 2021 for his delightful performance as David in 'The Personal History of David Copperfield '— a color-blind casting move that stunned many traditionalists but won over critics.

 

(Credit: The Personal History of David Copperfield)

These nominations proved that Patel wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He could switch gears — from intense emotion to subtle comedy — and carry a film on his back.

 

(Credit: Golden Globes)

TIME 100 Most Influential People – 2024

In 2024, Patel was included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World — a massive honor that celebrates not just talent, but impact. By then, he had become more than just an actor. He was a storyteller, a voice for underrepresented communities, and a symbol of what global cinema could look like when diversity isn’t just a checkbox.

 

(Credit: Complex Pop Culture)

His directorial debut 'Monkey Man', which had just been released, was also making waves at the time. TIME’s recognition felt timely — and totally deserved.

Directorial Debut – Monkey Man

Speaking of 'Monkey Man' — let’s talk about that mic-drop moment. In 2024, Patel not only starred in but also directed, produced, and co-wrote the action-thriller. The film premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) to a thunderous standing ovation.

 

(Credit: DiscussingFilm)

Reviews praised the film’s brutal yet beautiful storytelling, and Patel’s transformation into an action hero-director had fans calling him “India’s John Wick with brains.” Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but the excitement was real.

SAG Award Nomination – Slumdog Millionaire

Let’s rewind a bit. Patel’s very first breakout, 'Slumdog Millionaire', won eight Oscars — and while he didn’t get an individual Academy nomination then, he was nominated (along with the ensemble) for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance.

Not bad for a teenager who had no formal training and got the role almost coincidentally.

(Credit: Universal Pictures)

Well, trophies look great on a shelf — but Dev Patel’s biggest achievement might be how he has redefined what success looks like for South Asian actors in Western cinema. He has turned down stereotypical roles and waited for the right scripts. And when those didn’t come, he made them himself. If 'Monkey Man' is any indication, he is only getting started. The boy from Harrow is now a global force — and every Indian, whether from Mumbai or Manchester, is proudly cheering him on.