Patton Oswalt pays tribute to his late wife after winning Emmy

After Patton Oswalt: Talking For Clapping won for Best Writing for a Variety Special at the Emmys on Sunday, Oswalt himself took the stage to accept the award, but it was a bittersweet moment for him. The comedian dedicated his award to his late wife, 46-year-old crime writer Michelle McNamara, who passed away in April.

Following the show, Oswalt said that he dedicated his big moment to his wife because she was such a strong influence in his career in addition to his life.

"Every bit of growth that I've had in my career, especially in my writing and in my performing, came because I met Michelle McNamara," he said. "I had convinced myself that I was aware and self-actualized and mature, but then I met the real deal."

Oswalt continued by reflecting on his life since losing her.

"Everything seems like the lights have been turned down 50 percent on everything since she's gone," he said. "It's going to be a long, long time before I can be the kind of person that she made me again."