Chadwick Boseman’s older brother Kevin has released a statement congratulating his late brother on his posthumous nomination from the IFP Gotham Awards, as reported by People. Boseman received the nomination for his work in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

“I had to sit with this for a couple of days,” wrote Kevin on Instagram after sharing the news that Boseman was nominated in the Best Actor category. “After screening this with him, I told him he was about to get all the nominations and…I was so faithful he’d be here to experience this moment. Congratulations, Baby Brother.”

The film doesn’t debut on Netflix until Dec. 18, but Boseman’s performance has already been mentioned as a possible Oscar nominee. It has earned rave initial reviews after it was screened by select critics over the weekend. This first nomination seems to prove that Boseman is on the road towards getting that golden statue.

However, regardless of any awards he receives this year, it will be a gut punch to his family, friends and fans who loved seeing him work. But the nominations–and any awards he receives–will be a reminder of his immense talent.

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Photo: Kevin Boseman/Instagram