Riz Ahmed has credited the creators of mysterious Netflix drama The OA for having a "lot of guts" to produce a series "so bold and left-field".
The 34-year-old Rogue One star said it was particularly impressive during a time in TV and film where so many franchises are being "rehashed".
When asked if he understood the series, Riz told Digital Spy and others at the 2017 Elle Style Awards: "The thing about The OA is that it's definitely created a conversation - some people love it, some people aren't so sure about it.
"But I think in these times, when people are rehashing a lot of established properties or franchises, it takes a lot of guts to come out with something so left-field and bold and fresh."
Riz plays counsellor Elias Rahim in the mind-bending cult show created by Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling, who also takes the lead as Prairie Johnson.
"And a lot of people seem to be into it," Riz continued. "People want to get lost in another world - TV offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in another world.
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"In a time where people are claimed to have short attention spans, it's really encouraging to see people to make that investment for that attention.
"I think it was a show that captured a lot of people's imaginations."
The show has just been commissioned for a second season, but the actor couldn't comment on whether he would be back to reprise his role.
Meanwhile, the Night Of star was awarded Actor of the Year at last night's Elle Style Awards held in Central London.
The British actor is currently starring in the final season of Girls with the "intimidating force of nature" Lena Dunham.
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Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
