On June 10, 2020, Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge debuted on Star Wars Kids and YouTube. At the time, it looked like a charming little children’s game show. Young contestants ran obstacle courses, solved puzzles, faced temptations from the dark side, and tried to prove they had the strength, knowledge, and bravery of a Jedi. Cute? Yes. Earth-shattering Star Wars lore? Not exactly. Except, with hindsight, Jedi Temple Challenge now feels much more important than it looked. Because this was the first time Ahmed Best stepped into the role of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. And that changed everything. A Star Wars Game Show With a Secret Legacy Jedi Temple Challenge was built as the first Star Wars-themed game show, with real kids competing through Jedi trials. StarWars.com’s June 10, 2020 feature described the series as a test of strength, knowledge, and bravery, with Best hosting as Kelleran Beq alongside Mary…
Ahmed Best
Star Wars Legend Ahmed Best Wins Impact Award at The Game Awards
Ahmed Best has officially added another milestone to his career — and this one hits especially hard for Star Wars fans. At The Game Awards, Best received the Impact Award for South of Midnight, the video game he directed. The award recognizes projects that make a meaningful cultural, emotional, or social impact — and the moment marked a powerful full-circle achievement for one of Star Wars’ most misunderstood and ultimately vindicated figures. From Jar Jar Binks to Industry Recognition For Star Wars fans, Ahmed Best will always be remembered as the performer behind Jar Jar Binks, a character that became one of the most controversial in the franchise’s history. What often gets lost in that conversation is the toll that backlash took on Best personally — something he has spoken about openly in recent years. That context makes this award matter. Winning the Impact Award isn’t just recognition of South…