Ricky 'over the moon' about NY accolade

Ricky Gervais has won the comedy award at the New York International Short Film Festival for the pilot episode of Derek.

The 26-minute film, which aired on Channel 4 earlier this year, was screened as part of the three-day event, where it was described as a ‘bittersweet comedy drama’.

Gervais tweeted that he was ‘over the fucking moon’ about the accolade.

And on his blog, he added: ‘I’m probably more excited about this than any of the Baftas, Golden Globes or Emmys.

‘I’m not sure if that’s because it’s been such a long time in development, or that it was criticised by some before they’d even seen it and now they’ve gone a bit quiet, or just because I love Derek more than any other character I’ve ever created.’

Channel 4 has already commissioned a six-part series, in which Gervais stars as the titular character, a dim but well-meaning care assistant who works in a retirement home.

Although Gervais denied the character had any mental disability, the charity Mencap criticised his portrayal as ‘clumsy, unconvincing and offensive’.

Gervais added that he had nearly finished writing the series, which will be filmed in September for broadcast early next year.

Published: 6 Jun 2012