Pakistani-born American actor Kumail Nanjiani got emotional when he spoke about the new US immigration policies, in an interview on the sidelines of the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Hollywood held ahead of the Academy Awards.
Nanjiani, a Pakistani-born naturalized U.S. citizen who moved to America at age 18, joins a growing chorus of voices speaking out against the mistreatment of immigrants in the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Jessica Weitz associated with the American Civil Liberties Union about US immigration, the actor and comedian stated that the fact that many Americans are "demonising" immigrants who came to the United States seeking a better life is "really, really heart-breaking."
NanjianI said that there was "nothing more American than people wanting a better life" and that this was exactly what these immigrants wanted. And overwhelmed by emotions, he added: "The fact that people can look at their situation and not empathise is really shocking to me."
At the awards ceremony, Nanjiani presented the Best Supporting Performance award to Naomi Ackie for her role in the black comedy 'Sorry, Baby'. Before presenting the award, he quipped that white men had made quite the comeback in the entertainment industry.
"I'm here to present the award for best supporting actor performance. We have 10 nominees, and this year's nominees include only one white man," he began. "Ha ha, your time is over, white man," he continued.
"I'm joking, you guys came back. Wow, what a comeback you guys had," he said, as the audience responded in laughter. "I'll be honest, we had counted you out. And you showed us. We thought it was our time, we were wrong." "It is not our time. It is still your time."
He went on to tell the white men sitting in the audience he had always been their "biggest fan". He said, "You are doing a great job, you have always done a great job, and I would like to stay in the country," eliciting a burst of laughter from the audience.
Meanwhile, period drama 'Train Dreams' took home the Spirit Awards win for best feature, as both the movie along with 'The Secret Agent' gathered momentum ahead of the next month's Academy Awards. 'The Secret Agent' notched best international film.
The annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony celebrates movies made for less than $30 million. 'Train Dreams', director Clint Bentley's adaptation of the Denis Johnson novella, follows a railroad worker and the transformation of the American northwest across the 20th century.
The film won three of its four categories, also grabbing wins for best director and best cinematography. The movie's lead, Joel Edgerton, however, did not take home best actor, which went to Rose Byrne for 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You'.
Teddy Schwarzman, the 'Train Dreams' producer, told AFP the film "is a singular journey, but it hopefully helps bring people together to understand all that life entails: love, friendship, loss, grief, healing and hope." 'Train Dreams' is competing for the best picture at the Oscars, among other honors.
After 'The Secret Agent' nabbed best international film, director Kleber Mendonca Filho hailed the win as one that hopefully "gives more visibility to Brazilian cinema". The film follows a former academic pursued by hitmen amid the political turmoil of Brazil under military rule.
Other Spirit winners included 'Lurker', for best first screenplay and best first feature film. 'Sorry, Honey' nabbed best screenplay and 'The Perfect Neighbor' scored best documentary. The Academy Awards will be presented on March 15.
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