Having attended the Oscar nominees’ luncheon this year as a member of the Academy, actor Ali Fazal says meeting Hollywood creative forces such as actors Tom Cruise and Brendan Fraser motivates him to push himself as an artiste.

“I got to meet such wonderful talent from all across the board, and I have watched all of their work. It was a real honour to just have a nice, relaxed afternoon with everyone,” Fazal tells us.

On Wednesday, the 36-year-old Instagrammed pictures from the luncheon, including happy moments with filmmakers Guneet Monga and Shaunak Sen, both of whom have received nods for their documentaries, The Elephant Whisperers and All That Breathes, respectively.

“There are just too many cherished memories from the lunch. Getting fist bumps from Tom Cruise is definitely top of the list, and so is sharing notes with Martin McDonagh (filmmaker) — whose plays I have performed on stage. It was nice to meet Brendan Fraser and a lot of other people out there, and learn that they know of my work. It is encouraging for an actor like me and has been the biggest takeaway from the luncheon,” says the actor, who has found a fan following in the West after starring in Victoria & Abdul (2017) and Death On The Nile (2022).

Talking about his role as an Academy member, Fazal says, “My responsibilities and that of all Indian members is to be on the global stage. Indian Academy members have a role to play in storytelling across the globe,” Fazal shares, adding that he is rooting for the country at the awards this year.

“I am championing all the nominations. We’ve had a great representation from India. All That Breathes (2022) is one of the best films I have seen — and I am not saying this because it is from India and I know the team,” he signs off.