Method Man, aka Clifford Smith Jr., is thrilled to be among the pantheon of NAACP Image Award winners.

The rapper-turned-actor spoke with Shadow And Act’s Jessica Otse Idaewor in the NAACP Image Award’s virtual pressroom following his win in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category for his role in Power Book II: Ghost.

“I’m humbled, very happy, [and] surprised,” he said. “…This is my first acting win, so I’m going to cherish it.”

Smith said that it’s great to be a part of the Power family, because he can be himself with people who respect him.

“It feels like a family every time I go to set. You can be yourself and not be judged,” he said. “That’s always a good thing when you go to a set, especially on a show that is a spin-off from a show that was a hit for six years straight, let’s be honest. That’s a heavy weight to carry…Everyone did a brilliant job and we all deserve this award at the end of the day.”

What’s next for Smith? “More challenges,” he said.

“I just want to cut my teeth a little bit more, see what I’m capable of and surprise myself even more down the road,” he said, adding that he hopes more NAACP Image Awards are in his future. While he wants to be honored by other awarding bodies, he’s especially fond of being recognized by the NAACP.

“This one is just more closer to home because this is my people and they’re showing me that they have genuine love for me,” he said.