In 2016 , Patel starred as Saroo Brierley in the biographical film '' Lion '' , directed by Garth Davis and co-starring Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara , which premiered to rave reviews and " Oscar buzz " at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival . The film is based on the Brierley 's memoir '' A Long Way Home '' . Patel won the BAFTA awards for ' Best Supporting Actor ' . At the 89th Academy Awards , he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for '' Lion ''
89th Academy Awards
89th Academy Awards
Dev Patel