He just won the Golden Globe last night, and has virtually swept all major and minor critics’ awards. An Oscar nomination seems inevitable, and a win seems likely unless a rising tide of boring backlash has its way. So why would an Oscar for Kieran Culkin bring me to tears?

Because I’ve grown up alongside his career. I’ve seen him play child parts, small parts in Hollywood hits, mid-size parts in credible indies, off-Broadway and Broadway shows, and help anchor the peerless Succession. I’ve seen him grow despite being disregarded for parts and his work wrongly dismissed. And he doesn’t seem bitter or lazy as a result. He’s irreverent, but not disrespectful. He’s great, and it’s time the world knew.

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.