Will Smith wins his first Oscar for ‘King Richard’ at 94th Academy Awards

“I am not crying for successful an award, however for with the ability to shine a lightweight on all the folks,” Smith stated.

In an emotional acceptance speech that vacillated between protection and apology, Smith drew parallels between himself and his portrayal of Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams.

“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his household,” Smith stated in his first remarks. He continued: “I am being referred to as on in my life to like folks and to guard folks and to be a river to my folks.”

Smith appeared to have a lock to win his first Academy Award earlier than the night started, with many anticipating a energetic speech by the exuberant 53-year-old star. He was nominated twice earlier than for finest actor (for “Ali” and “The Pursuit of Happyness”).

“Artwork imitates life. I appear to be the loopy father” stated Smith. “However love will make you do loopy issues.”

Despite formidable competitors, Smith received the Oscar after scoring high appearing honors on the Display screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics Selection Awards and British Academy of Movie and TV Awards, and was acknowledged with an Picture Award from the NAACP.

Smith informed WABC’s Sandy Kenyon that even with the momentum going into Oscar evening, he wasn’t setting any expectations.

“I am not even excited about it like that … It all the time feels like actors attempting to be humble saying, ‘Properly, you already know, I do not take into consideration awards in that manner. I am concerning the work. I keep targeted on the work,’” he stated. “It isn’t that.”

He stated his focus was as a substitute on the facility 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 of the folks round me, relatively than whether or not or not my identify will get referred to as,” Smith stated.

Earlier within the night, the Williams sisters kicked off the published, ushering in a efficiency of “Be Alive” by finest unique music nominee Beyoncé Knowles-Carter that confirmed like to town of Compton towards a glowing inexperienced tennis courtroom facade.

The Related Press contributed to this report.