Jimmy Sheirgill is ecstatic. For the first time in 13 years, he has been nominated for an award. If that wasn't good enough, he has also won the award, that of a 'Best Artiste In Supporting Role' category (for A Wednesday) in the recently held V. Shantaram Awards.

"Yeah, it's a proud moment for me, since I had never been nominated earlier. Even though I started out 13 years back, awards were always elusive.

This is why, even when I was nominated for the V. Shantaram Awards that by itself was a great moment for me. I was shooting in Punjab for my Punjabi film Munde UK De when I was informed about my nomination.

I just flew down to Mumbai on Friday for the award ceremony and was pleasantly shocked when my name was announced as a winner", says Jimmy in a thrilled tone.

Others who were competing with Jimmy Sheirgill for this award were Arjun Rampal (Rock On), Ila Arun (Jodhaa Akbar), Tisca Chopra (Taare Zameen Par) and Shefali Shah (Black & White).

But was he really shocked considering A Wednesday has won rave reviews ever since it's release with great appreciation coming its way for everyone who had contributed to the making of the film. Moreover, the movie has managed to establish a cult status for itself, especially in light of the current socio-political status of the country.

"I will tell you something honestly", Jimmy gets candid here, "Even before the release of the film, I had maintained that A Wednesday was genuinely well made with me adding on to the narrative.

I was a part of this meaningful film that aimed at making a statement. Frankly, I wasn't expecting awards even after the release of the film. However, now that I have won it, it has re-established my faith to be a part of good cinema.

I will be looking forward to continuing my balancing act when it comes to the choice of the films that I do. Critical and commercial acclaim followed by awards has come as a shot in the arm."

A Wednesday made a clean sweep at the V. Shantaram Awards with awards also coming in way for Best Film - Silver, Best Director - Gold (Neeraj Pandey), Best Debut Director (Neeraj Pandey) and Best Editor (Shree Narayan Singh).

In 2009, apart from Munde UK De, Jimmy Sheirgill will be seen in Shoebite, Flat 'Bachelor Party, Mumbai Cutting and BBD.