Smith has already received multiple accolades for his performance in the film, including best actor at the Bafta and Critics Choice awards and best actor
Digital Desk: Will Smith has won the Oscar for Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards, which are currently taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Smith won the award for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard, a biopic that detailed Williams' role in the sisters' success. Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the film, which stars Smith in the title role, Aunjanue Ellis as his wife Brandy, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as Venus and Serena, and Jon Bernthal as tennis coach Rick Macci. The project was executive produced by Venus and Serena Williams.
Smith was already responsible for the evening's major drama when he appeared to hit host Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada-Pinkett-Smith.
"Take my wife's name out of your f***** mouth," he yelled twice to Rock. Smith could be seen wiping tears from his eyes and being comforted by others in the room during the commercial breaks.
Smith addressed the situation on stage by referring to the role he played in King Richard.
"Oh man," he said. "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.
"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.
"I'm being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. And I know we do what we do you and gotta be able to take abuse and have people talk crazy about you. In this business, people abuse you and you gotta smile and pretend like that's ok.
"I wanna be a vessel for love, I wanna say thank you to Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family for entrusting me with your story. I wanna be an ambassador for that kind of love and care and concern.
"I wanna apologise to the Academy and to all my fellow nominees. This is beautiful moment and I'm crying for winning an award. It's not about winning an award for me it's about being able to shine a light on all of the people, the entire cast and crew."
Smith continued to wipe away tears, saying, "Art imitates life! They were right: I looked like the crazy father. Love, on the other hand, will drive you insane."
Smith concluded by praising his mother, who he stated could not attend due to her knitting circle. "Thank you for this moment," he concluded. "I'm hoping the Academy will welcome me back."
Smith has already received multiple accolades for his performance in the film, including best actor at the Bafta and Critics Choice awards and best actor (drama) at the Golden Globes. Smith won the best actor at the Oscars for the third time, previously being nominated for Ali in 2002 and The Pursuit of Happiness in 2007.
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