On March 8, it was finalized: Actor Greg Kinnear, known for roles in Little Miss Sunshine and As Good As It Gets, will accept the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s annual King Vidor Award.

Festival staff—and attendees—were more than a little concerned when the week of the festival arrived with no word on who would claim the award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in film.

The festival, said Director Wendy Eidson, contacted Kinnear through last year’s King Vidor honoree, Alan Arkin. The announcement came about a month later than usual, as festival staff anxiously waited on the actor’s confirmation.

Added Eidson, “This one was a cliffhanger, for sure.”