Will Smith’s full Oscar acceptance speech after slapping Chris Rock

Will Smith took residence his first Oscar on Sunday for his flip as tennis dad Richard Williams in “King Richard” simply moments after slapping Chris Rock on stage.

Throughout his acceptance speech, tears rolling down his face, Smith spoke of similarities between himself and his character, each “fierce defenders” of household as he tried to handle the confrontation over a joke about his spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Here’s a transcript of Smith’s acceptance speech:

Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his household. On this time in my life, on this second, I’m overwhelmed by what God is looking on me to do and be on this world.

Making this movie I bought to guard Aunjanue Ellis, who is likely one of the most strongest, most delicate individuals I ever met. I bought to guard Saniyya and Demi, the 2 actresses that performed Venus and Serena. I’m being known as on in my life to like individuals and to guard individuals and to be a river to my individuals.

I do know to do what we do, you gotta be capable to take abuse, and also you gotta be capable to have individuals discuss loopy about you. On this enterprise, you gotta be capable to have individuals disrespecting you and also you gotta smile and also you gotta faux like that‘s OK.

However Richard Williams, and what I beloved, thanks D. Denzel (Washington) mentioned to me a couple of minutes in the past, he mentioned, “At your highest second, watch out. That’s when the satan comes for you.”

It’s like I need to be a vessel for love. I need to say thanks to Venus and Serena.

I simply spit, I hope they didn’t see that.

I need to say thanks to Venus and Serena and your entire Williams household for entrusting me along with your story. That’s what I need to do. I need to be an envoy of that form of love and care and concern.

I need to apologize to the Academy, I need to apologize to all my fellow nominees.

This can be a stunning second and I’m not crying for profitable an award. It’s not about profitable an award for me. It’s about with the ability to shine a lightweight on the entire individuals. Tim and Trevor and Zach and Saniyya and Demi and Aunjunue and your entire forged and crew of “King Richard” and Venus and Serena and your entire Williams household.

Artwork imitates life. I appear like the loopy father, similar to they mentioned. I appear like the loopy father similar to they mentioned about Richard Williams. However love will make you do loopy issues.

To my mom. Um, plenty of this second is de facto sophisticated for me, however to my mom. She didn’t need to come out. She had her knitting buddies, she has a knitting crew watching along with her. Having the ability to love and look after my mom, my household, my spouse.

I’m taking over an excessive amount of time. Thanks for this honor, thanks for this second. I thanks on behalf of Richard and Oracene, your entire Williams household. Thanks. I’m hoping the Academy invitations me again. Thanks.