On a sunny Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025, at 10:46 AM +07, the entertainment world is abuzz with reflections on the 2021 Golden Globes, where Tahar Rahim and Jodie Foster earned nominations for their powerful performances in The Mauritanian. The French-Algerian actor, now 43, recently revisited his collaboration with the two-time Oscar winner in a heartfelt interview, expressing deep admiration for Foster’s talent, professionalism, and humanity. Their work together on the legal drama, which recounts the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s unjust detention at Guantanamo Bay, not only garnered critical acclaim but also forged a bond that Rahim cherishes. As the film continues to resonate four years later, Rahim’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the dynamics behind one of Hollywood’s most celebrated on-screen partnerships.

The Genesis of ‘The Mauritanian’

Released in February 2021 and directed by Kevin Macdonald, The Mauritanian is based on Salahi’s memoir, Guantánamo Diary, detailing his 14-year imprisonment without charge following the 9/11 attacks. Rahim portrays Salahi, a man enduring torture and isolation, while Foster plays Nancy Hollander, the determined defense attorney who takes on his case. The film also features Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch, but it was Rahim and Foster’s performances that stole the spotlight, earning them Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Drama and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Foster ultimately won the award, a moment that underscored her return to acting prominence after a decade focused on directing.

The project’s inception was rooted in a desire to humanize a political injustice. Macdonald, known for The Last King of Scotland, aimed to balance the legal thriller elements with Salahi’s personal story. For Rahim, this meant a transformative role requiring physical and emotional depth—he lost 22 pounds to embody Salahi’s gaunt frame. Foster, meanwhile, brought her experience to the table, researching Hollander’s real-life dedication and navigating the film’s sensitive subject matter with care. Their nominations, announced on February 3, 2021, marked a turning point, with Rahim calling it a “sunlit surprise” amid Paris’s rainy weather.

Rahim’s Admiration for Foster

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rahim reflected on working with Foster, saying, “I really admire her. She’s an icon, but she’s also so grounded and generous.” His admiration stems from their first meeting, where Foster’s warmth disarmed him. Having grown up watching her films like The Silence of the Lambs, Rahim found her presence both intimidating and inspiring. “I told her I hoped to work with her one day after seeing The Prophet, and here we were,” he recalled, referencing his 2009 breakout role.

On set, Foster’s approach left a lasting impression. Rahim noted her commitment to supporting his performance, describing how she and Woodley created a “safe space” for him to channel Salahi’s trauma. “She knew this was my story to tell, and she was there to serve it,” he said. This selflessness extended to off-camera moments, where Foster shared anecdotes from her 55-year career, including her early days as a child actor. Rahim found her stories of overcoming scrutiny—echoing his own journey as a French actor of Algerian descent—particularly motivating.

Foster’s Golden Globe win on March 1, 2021, further highlighted their synergy. In her acceptance speech, she thanked Rahim, calling him “extraordinary” and crediting his portrayal for elevating the film. Rahim, watching from Paris, felt a surge of pride. “It was a shared victory,” he said, emphasizing how her success amplified his own nomination’s impact.

Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort

The filming process, conducted in 2020 amid global uncertainty, demanded resilience. Rahim prepared by meeting Salahi, an experience he found “joyful yet humbling,” as Salahi’s hopefulness contrasted with his ordeal. Foster, too, connected with Hollander, ensuring authenticity in her portrayal. Their preparation fostered a mutual respect, with Rahim noting Foster’s insistence on getting “the law stuff right” while allowing creative liberty.

On-screen chemistry was palpable, but off-screen, their dynamic was equally compelling. Rahim described late-night shoots where Foster’s humor lightened the mood, despite the film’s heavy themes. “She’d joke about fake blood or move her foot for a shot, and we’d all laugh,” he said, highlighting her ability to balance intensity with levity. This camaraderie extended to Macdonald, whom Rahim credited for guiding their performances with a “Scottish precision.”

The film’s mixed reviews—praised for acting but critiqued for its conventional narrative—didn’t deter its awards momentum. Rahim’s nomination broke barriers for actors of diverse backgrounds, while Foster’s win marked a career resurgence. Their collaboration, Rahim insists, was the heart of the project. “Without Jodie, it wouldn’t have been possible,” he reiterated, echoing his 2021 sentiments.

Cultural and Personal Impact

Rahim’s nomination held personal significance, reflecting his journey from Belfort, France, to international acclaim. Of Algerian heritage, he hopes it opens doors for actors from underrepresented communities, a hope shared by fellow nominee Riz Ahmed. Working with Foster, a Hollywood veteran, reinforced this aspiration. “She’s been through it all—scrutiny, reinvention—and she’s still pushing forward,” he said, drawing parallels to his own career evolution.

For Foster, the role was a rare dive into a real-life character, contrasting her fictional roles like Clarice Starling. Her interaction with Hollander and Rahim shaped a performance that resonated globally, particularly with European audiences who embraced the film’s international sensibility. Rahim noted this cross-cultural appeal, suggesting it mirrored his own experience bridging French and Hollywood cinema.

The film also sparked dialogue on Guantanamo Bay’s legacy, a topic Rahim feels passionately about. “Mohamedou’s story needs to be told,” he said, crediting Foster’s advocacy for amplifying this message. Her creation of The Foster Hub in 2025, a community center in Echo Park, further aligns with this mission, though Rahim’s focus remains on the artistic collaboration.

Reflections Four Years Later

As of June 10, 2025, The Mauritanian’s impact endures, with Rahim and Foster’s performances revisited during awards season retrospectives. Rahim’s recent comments revive interest, especially as he prepares for new projects like a Netflix series. He fondly recalls Foster’s mentorship, noting how her advice on choosing meaningful roles shaped his career. “She taught me to prioritize the story and the director,” he said, a lesson he applies today.

Fans on social media echo his sentiments, with posts like “Tahar and Jodie’s chemistry was magic” trending on X. Critics, however, debate the film’s preach-to-the-choir approach, a critique Rahim acknowledges but counters with its emotional authenticity. “It’s not about changing minds; it’s about honoring Mohamedou,” he asserted.

Foster’s silence on the latest reflections keeps the focus on Rahim’s narrative, but her influence looms large. Their partnership, born from a shared commitment to Salahi’s story, transcends the screen, offering a masterclass in collaboration. For Rahim, it’s a memory he treasures: “Really admire her—her talent, her heart. It was an honor.”