Oscars 2022: Will Smith wins his first Oscar for ‘King Richard’

American actor Will Smith won the award for the Best Actor at Oscars 2022 for his role in ‘King Richard’. The film is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

Delivering an emotional speech, Smith broke down as he accepted the big honor of the evening.

At his acceptance speech, Will Smith said, “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.” He added, “I want to apologize to Academy, I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I am not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”

At the end of his speech, Will Smith said, “Thank you. I hope the Academy invites me back.”

‘King Richard’ is a biographical sports drama directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin. It follows the life of Richard Williams, the father, and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Apart from Will Smith, the film stars Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, and Jon Bernthal.

The other nominees for the Best Actor award were Javier Bardem for Being the Ricardos, Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog, Andrew Garfield for Tick, TickBoom! and Denzel Washington for The Tragedy of Macbeth.

The 94th Academy Awards are being hosted by comedians Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer and actress Regina Hall. According to the Indian Standard Time, the ceremony began at 5.30 am IST on Monday (March 28).