hugh emrys griffith (; 30 may 1912 – 14 may 1980) was a welsh screen and stage actor. he is best known for playing sheik ilderim in the movie "ben-hur" (1959). for this role, he won an academy award for best supporting actor. some of his other notable credits include "exodus" (1960), "mutiny on the bounty" (1962), "tom jones" (1963) and "oliver!" (1968).