Mahershala Ali remembered his own experience converting to Islam a couple decades ago after growing up in a devout Christian household.

While picking up the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role SAG award, Ali reminded the crowd that not only accepting people's differences but celebrating diversity is critical in this political climate.

And that's why taking on his role in Moonlight was healing for Ali.

"I was so grateful about ...playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the persecution of his community and taking that opportunity to uplift him and tell him he mattered, that he was okay," said Ali."And accept him."

Read the full speech below:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I think what I have learned from working on Moonlight, you see what happens in persecution. What I was so grateful about and having the opportunity was playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the persecution of his community and taking that opportunity to uplift him and tell him he mattered, that he was okay. And accept him. I hope that we do a better job of that.

When we kind of get caught up in the minutiae, details that make us different, there's two ways of seeing that. There's an opportunity to see the texture of that person, the characteristics that make them unique and then there's the opportunity to go to war about it. To say that person is different for me and I don't like you, so let's battle. My mother is an ordained minister. She didn't do backflips when I called her and told her I converted 17 years ago. But we put things to the side and I was able to see her. She is able to see me. We love each other. The love has grown, and that stuff's minutia. It's not that important.

I want to thank Tarell Alvin McCraney for his courage. I want to thank Barry Jenkins. Just for your insight, brilliancy, direction, and the opportunity. I will always hold that close to me. I want to thank my fellow cast mates. Any one of those young men could be up here holding this. Beautiful work. Plan B, thank you. Peace and blessings be upon you.

Ali is also nominated for ensemble awards for Moonlight and Hidden Figures.

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