Dev Patel yet to come in terms with maiden Oscar nomination for Lion

Mumbai: Dev Patel rose to global prominence post the release of Danny Boyle's phenomenally successful 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

The Indian origin British actor has featured in a series of films and tele-series since then, and his rise as an actor has been nothing short of commendable.

The actor's journey has now touched an unprecedented zenith with his maiden Academy Award nomination.

Dev, who was seen as the Indian boy adopted by Australian parents trying to retrace his roots using Google Earth in the universally acclaimed 'Lion,' got a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance in the film.

Speaking on the same, Dev said, "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 its 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. 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."

Dev Patel will next be seen in 'Hotel Mumbai,' but is still basking in the success of 'Lion'.

Elaborating on his current mood, Dev said, "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 colour 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."

The nominations for the 89th Academy Awards got Damien Chazelle's musical 'La La Land' a whopping 14 nods, tying with 'Titanic' and 'All About Eve'.

The film has the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress nominations running into the universally revered contest of cinema.