Sylvester Stallone’s Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Supporting role is a seminal honor in a colorful career.

Starring alongside Michael B. Jordan in Creed, Stallone returned as Rocky Balboa, the role almost everyone thinks of when hearing the veteran actor’s name.

Stallone was honored with a standing ovation upon hearing his name called as the victor. He was visibly shocked but also very grateful to be recognized for his performance.

“I am the sum total of everyone I’ve ever met,” Stallone said to the crowd of stars from television and film. “I’m lucky that I absorbed some of it.”

The award is an emotional and well-timed honor for Stallone, as 2016 marks the 40^th anniversary of the very first Rocky film—showing how far the Italian Stallion has come in his career and life.

“Most of all,” Stallone said in conclusion, “I want to thank my imaginary friend Rocky Balboa for being the best friend I ever had!”

The bonds actors have with the characters they play has never seen a relationship quite like Stallone and Rocky’s. While Sly has donned many masks—including other franchises like Rambo and The Expendables—he will always be remembered his performances as the journeyman fighter from the City of Brotherly Love.

For four decades now, Stallone has made Rocky Balboa a piece of the American lexicon—Rocky serves as a synonym for the perseverance of a nation and the thought that life is best lived defying all odds.

With more Awards to be handed out in the near future, it is fair to say that if you give Rocky a shot, he’ll win not only on the stage, but also in the hearts of those who never stop fighting until the final bell.