Will Smith meets the moment with emotional best actor speech after shocking slap
LA TimesAfter winning the best actor award, Will Smith apologizes to the academy for his altercation with comedian Chris Rock. Just moments after slapping presenter Chris Rock hard on live television, Will Smith found himself in tears as he gave his acceptance speech for winning the Oscar for best actor for his performance in “King Richard.” It was definitely a what’s-he-going-to-do moment, and Smith lived up to expectations. “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” Smith said, seemingly alluding to the altercation, which sprang from his protection of wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith’s lead actor acceptance speech: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. It’s about being able to shine light on all of the people — Tim and Trevor and Zach and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjanue and the entire cast and crew of ‘King Richard.’ And Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family.