I just arrived home from the Nebula Awards weekend in Chicago, which was—because I was around friends old and new—about so much more than only the Nebula Awards. I’ll tell you of what mischief I got up to once I recover, but for now … hey, how about that banquet?

I had an unexpected role to play Saturday night, because I was chosen to accept the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation on behalf of the creators of Guardians of the Galaxy. And my acceptance speech was somewhat … unconventional.

If you weren’t one of those in the room that night, or watching the lifestream at home, you can see what I mean below, starting at 56:34. Make sure you hang on after I’m done to see how Toastmaster Nick Offerman interprets what I’ve said.

‘Tis a good thing to be Groot. I’ve always wanted to branch out …