Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels this week endorsed South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg for president.

The director of “The Butler,” “Monster’s Ball” and “Precious” said in a statement to People magazine that he believed Buttigieg was the candidate best suited to take on President Trump in the general election.

“The next leader of our country has a daunting task ahead of them, but I believe that Pete is prepared to bring our country together to confront the biggest challenges we face, from dismantling systemic racism to passing gun violence prevention legislation and combating climate change,” Daniels said Tuesday.

“This is the most critical election of our lifetimes, and I am supporting Pete because he is our best hope to unify the country to resoundingly defeat Trump and Trumpism at the ballot box in November,” he continued.

Buttigieg, who has struggled to gain support among minority voters, praised the writer and director after receiving the endorsement.

“Lee Daniels has brought us powerful stories which examine the conscience of the country and reflect the struggles that too many American families face,” the Midwestern Democrat said, adding, “As a major fan of his career and his work, I’m honored to have Lee’s support in this election. His ability to communicate the urgency of this moment and the need to bring about a new era is invaluable in this election.”

In early January, word of Daniels’ support for Buttigieg began to circulate after he hosted a fundraiser for his candidate of choice at his Beverly Hills home.

According to an invite for that event obtained by Deadline, tickets ranged from $1,500 to $2,800 and included a meet-and-greet with the Democratic presidential hopeful.

Buttigieg has received celebrity endorsements from Michael J. Fox, Sharon Stone, George Takei, Kevin Costner, Mandy Moore, Seth MacFarlane and others.