Congratulations to Will Smith for snagging the well-deserved Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard” at this year’s Critics Choice Awards. Other nominees in the same category included Nicolas Cage (Fig), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog), Peter Dinklage (Cyrano), Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…Boom!), Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) were nominated in the same category.
The 27th annual Critics’ Choice Awards were presented in-person at a gala event co-hosted by acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs and actress, comedian, author and podcaster Nicole Byer at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
Smith gave high-fives to producers Serena and Venus Williams before walking on stage to accept the award and giving a heartfelt speech — “Thank you for entrusting me with your story,” Smith said during his speech. “What you were able to do, your family was able to do, inspired everyone in this room, everyone in this country, everyone around the world. You all defined the American dream. You represent the best of what we all hope this country can be.” Turning his attention to the Williams sisters, Smith added, “I loved that we were able to show what your mother did to help create and mold and shape your family.”
Smith also highlighted his costar Aunjanue Ellis and her contribution — “It would be disingenuous for me to accept this [award] without acknowledging Aunjanue Ellis,” he said. Smith concluded his speech by thanking the Williams family once again for their inspiration and for allowing him to share their powerful story with the world. Watch the full speech below.
The Critics Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations. The 27th annual Critics Choice Awards was produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment.
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 500 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was established in 2019 with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit CriticsChoice.com.
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