Will Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Smith won the award for his starring role as Richard Williams, father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard, which chronicles Richard’s role in the star sisters’ stellar success.
The movie was directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and additionally stars Aunjanue Ellis as Richard’s wife Brandy Price, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as Venus and Serena, and Jon Bernthal as tennis coach Rick Macci. Venus and Serena Williams both served as executive producers for the film.
“Oh man, Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world,” said Smith in his acceptance speech. “Making this film, I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the strongest, most delicate people I’ve ever met. I got to protect Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, the two actresses who played Venus and Serena.”
The third time’s the charm as Smith has won an Oscar after being nominated numerous times throughout his illustrious career. He was nominated in 2002 for his performance in Ali and in 2007 for The Pursuit of Happyness.
During his acceptance speech, Smith apologized for an onstage altercation with comedian Chris Rock earlier in the night.
