The greatest hallmark of success for a time period film is an endorsement from a historical figure from that time.

“Selma,” the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic that focuses on the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery that led to the Voting Rights Act, just got its biggest seal of approval from former President George H.W. Bush.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bush saw the film, which stars David Oyelowo as Dr. King, in a special advance screening in Houston on Tuesday (December 9) and offered up his glowing review.

“Selma magnificently recreates the strong emotions felt across our nation, vividly taking us back to when Martin Luther King, Jr. led the civil rights movement,” Bush said in a statement. “Together, the filmmakers and cast not only captured the pain and conflict of that challenging time, but also how far we have come as a society—and, in so doing, reminded us how the freedom to protest peacefully and the power of human spirit make America so great.”

Bush’s thoughts on the drama in light of his previous opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is proof positive of current President Barack Obama’s recent comment, “over time, hearts and minds catch up with laws.”

In addition to the former Commander-in-Chief’s two thumbs up, the Ava DuVernay-directed movie also racked up four Golden Globes nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Performance byy an Actor, and Best Original Song.