Mark Wahlberg Credits Will Ferrell's Comedic Genius Award To Himself

Mark Wahlberg deserves credit for many accomplishments since becoming an actor in the 1990s — breaking box-office records and earning nominations for his great performances. But the "Pain & Gain" star tells MTV that he's the reason that his co-stars have received awards for their work.

Speaking to Josh Horowitz during a Q&A after an exclusive screening of his latest film, Wahlberg said that his former collaborator Will Ferrell was receiving the Comedic Genius Award at Sunday's MTV Movie Awards because the two of them worked together in "The Other Guys."

"See what happens when you're in a movie with me?" Wahlberg said.

Joking aside, Wahlberg not only said that Ferrell helped him through his first big comedy, but maintained an approach, and an attitude, that is rare among even the most successful folks in the comedian's field. "Will is obviously an incredible genius," Wahlberg said. "I had the honor or working with him on my first full comedic movie, and he encouraged me to be the moron that I am, and just have no fear — be fearless."

"And what's great about Will is that his humor comes from a good place," he continued. "A lot of comedians are actually mean, but with Will, it comes from a nice place. He just enjoys making people laugh."

Ferrell may be receiving his award uncontested, but the former co-stars are pitted against each other in the Best On-Screen Duo category, where Wahlberg's team-up with Seth Macfarlane in "Ted" competes against Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in "The Campaign." Which will win? You can still help decide — voting is still open! And then watch Wahlberg and Ferrell when they appear on stage at the MTV Movie Awards, which broadcasts live on Sunday, April 14 at 9 p.m.