Despite many students not being that impressed by their school’s choice of commencement speaker, D.C. chef José Andrés (who also teaches a cooking course at the university) nonetheless spoke to George Washington University’s graduating class this weekend and his speech was, well, pretty damn good. Of course, it always helps to have the support of a bunch of celebrities.

Indeed, as the predominant theme of Andrés’ speech was “why is a chef speaking to you?,” the beginning of his address features a cheeky little video with a bunch of celebrities—including Gwyneth Paltrow, Morgan Freeman, Al Roker, Sam Waterson, Owen Wilson, Eric Holder, and more—politely turning down GW President Steven Knapp’s invitiation. Instead suggesting that Andrés’ speak as he’s “probably available.”

It’s an endearing little video to kick off Andrés’ speech, in which he explains what “a guy who cooks for a living [has] to say to a group of accomplished graduates.” Turns out, a lot.

Check it out below: