VIDEO: Actor Ramy Youssef takes home first award, says ‘Allahu Akbar’

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef doubtlessly raised a few eyebrows as he took to the stage after winning the first Golden Globe of the night for best actor in a comedy series for "Ramy."

"I would like to thank my God. Allahu Akbar. Thank you, God," the Muslim actor said.

The phrase, which means "God is greatest," is an everyday expression in the Muslim world, but for some in the West, it has been twisted and is associated with extremist attacks.

He won in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy category. This was the actor's first Golden Globe nomination.

"This is thanks to God. Look, I know you guys haven't seen my show," the actor joked as he got on the stage on Sunday night to accept the award from stars Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

"We made a specific show on a Arab Muslim family living in New Jersey and this means a lot," he added.

"Ramy" is about a Muslim-American family living New Jersey. In the category, Youssef beat out Michael Douglas ("The Kominsky Method"), Bill Hader ("Barry"), Ben Platt ("The Politician") and Paul Rudd ("Living with Yourself").

"My mom, also, by the way, was rooting for Michael Douglas," the actor confessed to the audience.

Ricky Gervais hosted the 77th Golden Globe Awards ceremony.