Well, it’s been an interesting night for Will Smith. Not long ago, Smith made headlines for slapping comedian Chris Rock after he made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth,” Smith said repeatedly as he sat back down after slapping Rock.
Fortunately, Smith’s night did not end in violence. Instead, it concluded with triumph. Decades after introducing himself as a rapper with Jazzy Jeff on the turntables and starring in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith secured the first “Best Actor in a Leading Role” Academy Award of his career for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard. The Philadelphia native had been nominated twice before for his roles in Ali and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Now, Smith will turn his attention toward the night’s biggest award, “Best Picture.” King Richard is projected as a dark horse candidate to take home the award.
