To say Zain Asher is one proud sibling is definitely an understatement.
The CNN business and personal finance correspondent struggled to hold back the tears on Thursday, Jan. 16, while talking live on the air about the Best Actor nomination her brother, Chiwetel Ejiofor, had received earlier that morning for his performance in 12 Years a Slave.
"Honestly, I could not sleep last night. I really couldn't," Asher said. "This was so emotional for me because—I'm going to try not to cry—but this is a day that my family has been hoping for, and waiting for, for such a long time. Chiwetel has been acting since he was 13 years old and—oh my god, I told myself I wasn't going to cry, but I do feel so emotional right now."
While making every effort to keep it together, Asher continued, "He's worked so hard for this and growing up with him, he was always in his bedroom practicing Shakespeare, writing Shakespeare on the wall. I would go out with my friends and I would come home and in the morning he'd be reciting Measure for Measure and in the evening it would be Othello.
Zain concluded by saying, "He's just somebody who's really dedicated. An actor's actor. He's been acting for over 20 years, and so to finally see recognition for his work, I can't even describe the feeling."
She later took to Twitter to reiterate her feelings, writing, "Thank you so much everyone! My family is very excited for Chiwetel. Very emotional day! #Oscars #12yearsaSlave"