In this handout photo provided by NBC Universal, presenters Sunny Pawar (l) and Dev Patel seen onstage during the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 8, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

British-Indian actor Dev Patel, who earned his maiden Oscar nomination in best supporting actor category for “Lion,” said Jan. 24, the feeling is yet to sink but he is filled with an “overwhelming sense of gratitude.” – @siliconeer #siliconeer @Hollywood #Hollywood #DevPatel #Lion #SlumdogMillionaire #Oscars @Bollywood #Bollywood #NicoleKidman @NicoleKidman #2017AcademyAwards

Alluding to the role that India has played in his career, be it his debut “Slumdog Millionaire,” or “Lion,” Patel says the country holds a special place in his heart.

“Ok, so I just received a call to say that I’ve been nominated for an Academy Award…

“To be totally honest, the news hasn’t made it’s way into my brain yet, but I’m looking at these beautiful smiling faces around me… Faces of the ones I love. And I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” the 26-year-old actor said in a statement.

“What makes this moment so much more poignant is that I’ve just wrapped shooting another film in India. This enthralling country holds such a deep place in my heart, and it is where Saroo’s journey was born,” he added.

Patel, who plays the role of a man I search of his lost parents in India in the true life inspired drama also thanked his director and co-stars.

“This film would be nothing without Garth Davis. Without his love, commitment and vision this “Lion” wouldn’t have been able to roar. To that extent I want to share this incredible feeling with Luke, Grieg, Jenny Kent, Iain, Angie, Emile, Sunny, Nicole, David, Rooney, Divian, Priyanka, the Brierley family as well as the Weinstein Co team.

“’Lion’ reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the color of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin. It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” he said.

Patel has received widespread praise for his performance as Saroo Brierley with critics hailing it as a career-defining moment.

“Lion,” which co-stars Nicole Kidman, is also nominated in the Best Picture category alongside awards favorite romantic musical “La La Land,” “Arrival,” family drama “Manchester by the Sea,” “Moonlight,” war movie “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Hidden Figures,” African-American drama “Fences” and “Hell or High Water.”

The 2017 Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Hollywood, Calif., Feb. 26.