Mahershala Ali and Wife Amatus Sami-Karim Welcome First Child

In the days leading up to the Oscars, first-time nominee Mahershala Ali has another reason to celebrate.

The Moonlight actor and wife Amatus Sami-Karim welcomed their first child, Bari Najma Ali, on Feb. 22, the proud father announced on Instagram Friday with a photo of Sami-Karim holding their newborn.

Back in January, Ali (whose full first name is Mahershalalhashbaz) visited Jimmy Kimmel Live! and told the Oscars host that the pair wanted to do “something a little bit simpler for our child” when it came to naming the baby.

“Still keep it unique,” he clarified. “But something a little bit simpler.”

The new father is vying for best supporting actor at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Congrats to the couple!

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbvLpbCwp5%2BZv6a8zqurnqpemLyue82erqxnl5q7pr7ApWSnnaeofK6tx56prKCRoa5urcuiZLChlpp6ornAraysZaOWuqp5ypqpoqVdrLKtr86mnGaemafAtXnCoaClnF1uhHqDk21m