Sayed Badreya
- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Arab American actor Sayed Badreya has turned his childhood dream into reality by landing roles in major Hollywood films, including "Iron Man," "The Insider," "Three Kings," and "Independence Day." In his latest achievement, he stars in the BAFTA Award-winning British short film "Jellyfish and Lobster" (2024), portraying a character with Alzheimer's disease. During his moving speech at the event, Badreya reflects on his journey of playing terrorists over four decades and powerfully highlights the challenges that Arab performers face in the film industry, stirring deep emotions among attendees.
In 2025, Badreya collaborates with Skydance Media on the Apple Original animated sci-fi fantasy series "WondLa," bringing his passion to life. He also plays a vital role in the opening night film of the prestigious 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival, "Hello Beautiful," directed by Zaid Hamzeh and inspired by a story from talented author Christine Handy.
Sayed's journey to the big screen was a testament to perseverance, belief, and beating the odds. Born in 1957 in Port Said, Egypt, he grew up in poverty yet held onto dreams of movie stardom. While the prospect of reaching Hollywood seemed as distant as peace in the Middle East, he felt a powerful pull towards acting, believing he was destined for something greater. As a child, Badreya sought refuge in the movie theater, escaping the turmoil of his surroundings. It was within those walls that he discovered the transformative power of film and determined that he was meant to be part of that extraordinary magic.
Sayed embarked on his journey by moving to the United States and attending New York University's film school, eventually making his way to Hollywood to chase his acting dreams. He began in the film industry as an assistant to the talented actor and director Anthony Perkins, followed by an opportunity to collaborate with the visionary director James Cameron on "True Lies." Driven by a passionate mission, Badreya sought to illuminate the Arabic-American story that had long been overlooked. This dedication inspired him to launch his own production company, "Zoom In Focus."
Through this platform, he directed and produced the impactful documentary "Saving Egyptian Film Classics" and "The Interrogation," which earned the award for Best Creative Short Film at the New York International Film Festival. Furthermore, he produced and starred in the thought-provoking short film "T for Terrorist," which achieved recognition as Best Short Film at both the Boston International Film Festival and the San Francisco World Film Festival.
Sayed has passionately spotlighted the contributions of Arab-Americans in the film industry, earning widespread media recognition for his efforts. Outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, GQ, NPR, ABC's Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, BBC's Panorama, CNN, Fox Report with Shepard Smith, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Egypt Today have beautifully chronicled his inspiring journey and message.
Throughout his remarkable career, Sayed has appeared in over 75 movies and television shows, sharing the screen with iconic Hollywood actors like Al Pacino, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., and Jackie Chan. He has experienced the honor of collaborating with esteemed directors such as Michael Mann, Peter Farrelly, Jon Favreau, and Oliver Stone.
In 2007, Sayed Badreya landed his first leading role in the English-language film "American East," which he also co-wrote. His breakthrough year in 2008 saw him captivate audiences as Abu Bakaar, the villainous arms dealer who kidnaps Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) in the summer blockbuster "Iron Man." That same year, he showcased his comedic talent by playing a Palestinian cab driver opposite Adam Sandler in "You Don't Mess with the Zohan."
In 2009, Sayed starred in the Paramount Pictures feature film "El Traspatio," also known as "Backyard," directed by Oscar-nominated Carlos Carrera, where he portrayed a serial killer opposite Ana de la Reguera. He also appeared in "Movie 43," acting alongside Halle Berry. His other films that year included "The Three Stooges," his fifth collaboration with the Farrelly brothers; "The Dictator," where he played Sacha Baron Cohen's father in the role of the original dictator; and "Just Like a Woman," directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rachid Bouchareb.
In 2011, Sayed embraced his second leading role in the New York independent film "Cargo," which focuses on human traffickers and showcases his talent under the direction of Yan Vizinberg. He co-starred with Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo in "The Space Between," directed by Travis Fine.
In 2017, Sayed Badreya achieved well-deserved recognition by winning the Best Actor award at the 13th Action on Film Festival in Las Vegas for his role in the inspiring movie "Aileron."
In 2018, the Boston International Film Festival honored Sayed Badreya with a 'Life Achievement Award' for his remarkable contributions to enriching American culture through film and television. In 2019, Sayed achieved new heights of success. He starred in 'Vanguard' alongside Jackie Chan, signed on for a second season of 'Apple & Onion,' a U.S. animated television series created for Cartoon Network, and co-starred in the Egyptian television series 'Winter 2006.' Additionally, his short film, 'Al-Masry Life,' won the Best Short Film award at the 15th Annual Action on Film International Film Festival.
In 2025, Badreya collaborates with Skydance Media on the Apple Original animated sci-fi fantasy series "WondLa," bringing his passion to life. He also plays a vital role in the opening night film of the prestigious 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival, "Hello Beautiful," directed by Zaid Hamzeh and inspired by a story from talented author Christine Handy.
Sayed's journey to the big screen was a testament to perseverance, belief, and beating the odds. Born in 1957 in Port Said, Egypt, he grew up in poverty yet held onto dreams of movie stardom. While the prospect of reaching Hollywood seemed as distant as peace in the Middle East, he felt a powerful pull towards acting, believing he was destined for something greater. As a child, Badreya sought refuge in the movie theater, escaping the turmoil of his surroundings. It was within those walls that he discovered the transformative power of film and determined that he was meant to be part of that extraordinary magic.
Sayed embarked on his journey by moving to the United States and attending New York University's film school, eventually making his way to Hollywood to chase his acting dreams. He began in the film industry as an assistant to the talented actor and director Anthony Perkins, followed by an opportunity to collaborate with the visionary director James Cameron on "True Lies." Driven by a passionate mission, Badreya sought to illuminate the Arabic-American story that had long been overlooked. This dedication inspired him to launch his own production company, "Zoom In Focus."
Through this platform, he directed and produced the impactful documentary "Saving Egyptian Film Classics" and "The Interrogation," which earned the award for Best Creative Short Film at the New York International Film Festival. Furthermore, he produced and starred in the thought-provoking short film "T for Terrorist," which achieved recognition as Best Short Film at both the Boston International Film Festival and the San Francisco World Film Festival.
Sayed has passionately spotlighted the contributions of Arab-Americans in the film industry, earning widespread media recognition for his efforts. Outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, GQ, NPR, ABC's Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, BBC's Panorama, CNN, Fox Report with Shepard Smith, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Egypt Today have beautifully chronicled his inspiring journey and message.
Throughout his remarkable career, Sayed has appeared in over 75 movies and television shows, sharing the screen with iconic Hollywood actors like Al Pacino, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., and Jackie Chan. He has experienced the honor of collaborating with esteemed directors such as Michael Mann, Peter Farrelly, Jon Favreau, and Oliver Stone.
In 2007, Sayed Badreya landed his first leading role in the English-language film "American East," which he also co-wrote. His breakthrough year in 2008 saw him captivate audiences as Abu Bakaar, the villainous arms dealer who kidnaps Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) in the summer blockbuster "Iron Man." That same year, he showcased his comedic talent by playing a Palestinian cab driver opposite Adam Sandler in "You Don't Mess with the Zohan."
In 2009, Sayed starred in the Paramount Pictures feature film "El Traspatio," also known as "Backyard," directed by Oscar-nominated Carlos Carrera, where he portrayed a serial killer opposite Ana de la Reguera. He also appeared in "Movie 43," acting alongside Halle Berry. His other films that year included "The Three Stooges," his fifth collaboration with the Farrelly brothers; "The Dictator," where he played Sacha Baron Cohen's father in the role of the original dictator; and "Just Like a Woman," directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rachid Bouchareb.
In 2011, Sayed embraced his second leading role in the New York independent film "Cargo," which focuses on human traffickers and showcases his talent under the direction of Yan Vizinberg. He co-starred with Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo in "The Space Between," directed by Travis Fine.
In 2017, Sayed Badreya achieved well-deserved recognition by winning the Best Actor award at the 13th Action on Film Festival in Las Vegas for his role in the inspiring movie "Aileron."
In 2018, the Boston International Film Festival honored Sayed Badreya with a 'Life Achievement Award' for his remarkable contributions to enriching American culture through film and television. In 2019, Sayed achieved new heights of success. He starred in 'Vanguard' alongside Jackie Chan, signed on for a second season of 'Apple & Onion,' a U.S. animated television series created for Cartoon Network, and co-starred in the Egyptian television series 'Winter 2006.' Additionally, his short film, 'Al-Masry Life,' won the Best Short Film award at the 15th Annual Action on Film International Film Festival.
