Egyptian actor Ramy Youssef delivered the 2020 Golden Globes first big upset, winning Best Comedy Actor.
The comedian was up against tough competition, including Michael Douglas, Bill Hader, Ben Platt, and Paul Rudd.
On stage, Youssef joked that his mother really wanted Michael Douglas to take home the trophy for his work on The Kominsky Method.
“Egyptians love Michael Douglas, I don’t know if you know this.” Said Ramy.
The star won for his role in the self-titled, semi-autobiographical Hulu comedy, Ramy. He created, writes, produces and directs the show.
“I would like to thank my God — Allahu Akbar — and Hulu,” he continued. “I know you guys haven’t seen my show. Everyone is like, ‘Is this an editor?’”
“We made a very special show about an Arab Muslim family living in New Jersey, and this means a lot, to be recognized on this level.”
Speaking backstage, Youssef said, “The tendency when making a show about a group that people don’t know is to make them good. I wanted to lead with Muslims’ problems and have people connect with them on a human level.”
Youssef also took a jab at British comedian and host of the awards Ricky Gervaise, saying, “My show is about someone who believes in their faith, and so naturally I don’t always feel like I’m on the same page as the comedic stylings of Ricky Gervais. My faith is something that’s very persona’ to me, and it’s an important part of the show.”
You can see the full backstage interview in the video above.