Pakistani-American comedian Kumail Nanjiani won the Comedy Ensemble Award at the Hollywood Film Awards yesterday for his debut film The Big Sick, which chronicles the real-life love story of him and his wife Emily Gordon.
The film starred Kumail as himself, Zoe Kazan as his girlfriend Emily and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents.
Kumail recognised his co-stars contribution to the film.
He said, "We have a lot of people to thank but I truly, truly want to thank our cast. [ The Big Sick] was a really intimate, personal story and I was nervous about the people joining but I would not go on this journey with anybody but you. You all poured yourself into this thing and gave a piece of yourself to this movie and it is a gift my wife and I will cherish forever."
He further added some comedy to his appreciation. He said,
"We owe you, so if you ever need a ride from the airport or need help moving, I'm your guy."
"Although I do take it back for Ray [Romano], because he's not even at our table [at the awards]. He upgraded to a table with Kate Winslet. And then what happened, Ray? She left, didn't she? Kate left. You know who's still here, buddy? I am."
Hers is the acceptance speech,