After weeks of uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s now-frozen travel ban, a Muslim actor Mahershala Ali won the Oscar, securing the best supporting actor trophy for his role as Juan in Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight." Indeed, Ali is the first Muslim actor in history to win an Academy Award. He spoke movingly of his faith while accepting the SAG award for supporting actor for "Moonlight" last month.

"I want to thank my teachers, my professors, my so many wonderful teachers." He went on to talk about what they taught him and realizing that this moment wasn't about him. "It's not about you. It's about these characters. You are a servant. You're in service to these stories and these characters and I'm so blessed to have had an opportunity. It was about Juan, it was about Paula. Cast and crew, such a wonderful experience," said Ali.

It may be mentioned here that, in a last-minute decision by the Department of Homeland Security, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Khaled Khatib who was initially granted a visa to travel to Los Angeles for the Oscars ceremony was refused to enter the United States.