Jessica Chastain was honored with the American Cinematheque Award on Friday night for her impressive body of work and used her moment to reflect on the early days of her journey to becoming an Oscar-winning actress.

Taking the stage at The Beverly Hilton hotel, the star noted how her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunt and mother all became mothers before they were 17, forced to drop out of school and give up their career aspirations to support their families. Chastain said her mother was just 22 and caring for three young children on her own, as the family faced evictions and she went to school with basic needs unmet.

“We existed on the margins of society, but theater became my lifeline. It was a way to feel seen, to use my voice and to break free from the expectations that had bound my family for generations. I became determined to escape the cycle,” Chastain continued.