Could Will Smith win his 1st Oscar? Hollywood veteran appears a lock for ‘King Richard’ performance

After an introduction by tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, finest unique music nominee Beyoncé Knowles-Carter confirmed like to town of Compton in her efficiency of “Be Alive,” towards a glowing inexperienced tennis court docket facade.

Whereas “King Richard” is nominated for 5 Academy Awards, together with Greatest Image, Greatest Authentic Screenplay, Greatest Supporting Actress and Greatest Movie Modifying, Smith seems a lock to win his first Oscar. He was nominated twice earlier than for finest actor (for “Ali” and “The Pursuit of Happyness”).

Smith’s efficiency as Richard Williams, father to Venus and Serena, has remained the more than likely selection all through the season. And the speech by the exuberant 53-year-old star must be some of the energetic of the evening.

A win, although, must come over some formidable competitors — together with the actor who bested Smith’s “Ali” efficiency 20 years in the past: Denzel Washington, a winner then for “Coaching Day” and a menace this time for “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”

Smith’s already scored prime performing honors on the Display Actors Guild Awards, Critics Alternative Awards and British Academy of Movie and TV Awards, and was acknowledged with an Picture Award from the NAACP.

However he advised WABC’s Sandy Kenyon that even with this momentum, he is not setting any expectations for the Oscars.

“I am not even fascinated about it like that … It all the time feels like actors making an attempt to be humble saying, ‘Properly, you realize, I do not take into consideration awards in that means. I am in regards to the work. I keep centered on the work,’” he mentioned. “It isn’t that.”

His focus is as a substitute on the ability of “King Richard’s” ensemble and story of the Williams household.

“I am discovering myself with the eye being on the hearts and the expertise the individuals round me moderately than the place or not my identify will get known as,” Smith mentioned.

The Related Press contributed to this report.