The Big Sick (2017)

Based On the Life of: Emily V Gordon

Starring: Zoe Kazan

Movie Budget: $5 million

Star Salary: $200,000

This Oscar-nominated film stars Kumail Nanjiani as a Pakistani comic who falls in love with a grad student named Emily, played by Zoe Kazan. Nanjiani comes from a very traditional Muslim family, and he is concerned with what his parents will think of her. After Emily gets sick and falls into a coma, Kumail develops a deep bond with her parents.

The offbeat romance, produced by Judd Apatow, made $56.4 million at the box office. In addition to an Oscar nomination, it won an Independent Spirit Award, Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and Prix du Public UBS. It is based on Nanjiani and Gordon’s real-life romance.