Demian Bichir was thrilled to learn he landed an Oscar nomination Tuesday. The Mexican actor is vying for the “Best Actor” title along with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, and Jean Dujardin.

Bichir’s role as Mexican migrant in A Better Life earned him the Oscar nomination.

“I’m overwhelmed for having my name among those incredible actors,” reacted Bichir to the nomination news. “I dedicate this to those eleven million human beings who make our lives easier and better in the US.”

Bichir believes the movie’s ability to tell the tale of illegal immigrants without political motives made it realistic and relatable. “I was already part of the film before I read it,” Bichir told Fox News Latino.

“The issue [of immigration] is close to many of us,” he said. “We are all immigrants and American was based on immigrants. But this film is not just an immigration movie.”

Bichir won’t be the only Latino at the Academy Awards. Berenice Bejo was also nominated for “Best Supporting Actress” for her role in The Artist.

“I can’t believe that a year ago I was learning to tap dance and today I am nominated for an Academy Award,” said the actress.