Kerry Washington gave a short tribute to Michael K. Williams while presenting the supporting actor category during the Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday night.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Washington spoke highly of Williams‘ legacy, calling him a “brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon.”

“I know you’re here because you wouldn’t miss this,” she said. “Your excellence, your artistry will endure. We love you.”

Williams was also featured during the In Memoriam segment. An interview clip featured Williams talking about how he planned to help other actors who would come after him.

“The only way for me to say thank you is by making sure that the foundation that I’m standing on is strong enough to support the next person that will stand on these two shoulders,” he said.

Williams was nominated for his supporting role in Lovecraft Country as Montrose Freeman, the father of main character Atticus (Jonathan Majors) who struggled with his sexual identity during the 1950s, a period of time that made it hard for queer people to live authentically without severe social backlash.

Williams was expected by many to win in the category, but as part of the #EmmysSoWhite theme of the night, the win went to Tobias Menzies for his role in The Crown instead.

Williams was found in his Brooklyn apartment Sept. 6. His cause of death has still not been released.