Sterling K. Brown recently received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, an honor befitting of his performance in Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction. Brown knows, however, that he will not need to prepare a speech for the upcoming awards show in March.

Voicing his honest reactions on The Graham Norton Show, Brown joked that it will almost certainly be Robert Downey Jr. taking home the hardware. Both actors are competing against Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ruffalo, although Downey Jr. appears to be the frontrunner for his performance as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. 

Brown added that this designation is “totally fine” and that he is simply honored to be included in such a star-studded group. More important than awards or critical acclaim was how American Fiction provided the chance to portray a unique representation of Black life for mass consumption.

As the show’s host, Graham Norton maintained that an upset is always possible. Perhaps viewers will bear witness to pure, genuine shock should Brown be called up to the stage.

Many more Oscar hopefuls may see their hopes dashed by the 12 other Oppenheimer nominations. As the heavy favorite in many categories, Christopher Nolan’s film looks to become the latest project to “sweep” during awards season.