Michael B. Jordan had a profoundly emotional moment at the 39th American Cinematheque Awards last night when he accepted the prestigious American Cinematheque Award.

The honor, presented at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, recognizes “an extraordinary artist fully engaged in his work” who has made a significant contribution to the art of cinema.

As he took the stage, Jordan choked up, admitting, “Nobody warns you how crazy this is…you see your whole career flash before your eyes.” He reflected on the people who raised him, saying, “I stand on the shoulders of giants and my ancestors…Build the house, and they will come.” He urged artists to plant seeds, find community, and be fearless about storytelling. Jordan stated, “If there’s a book you really want to read…you must write it…to the people making decisions…be bold, take the risk. These stories matter.”