Will Smith is the Oscars frontrunner for KingRichard but he's surprised by the film's widespread praise. 'I've made 30 years' worth of movies and there's never been this kind of blanket agreement that it's a good movie.'
King Richard actor Will Smith admits that he is surprised by the film's nominations and the sheer number of people who enjoyed the movie. King Richard tells the true story of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams' rise to success after coaching from their father Richard .
King Richard has not only been receiving Oscar love, however. The film has been nominated for many different big film awards, with Smith in particular taking home a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for his performance as Richard Williams. Most recently, Smith's performance has also been honored with the Best Actor award at the 2022 National Board of Review gala. It is certainly not hard to imagine Smith being a top contender for the Oscar this year.
"I guess the biggest surprise so far for me with this film is how unanimous the reaction is to the film. I've made 30 years' worth of movies and there's never been this kind of blanket agreement that it's a good movie. I've made things that, I would read opposing reviews and I'm like, 'Did they even look at the same movie?' you know, with Ali and with The Pursuit of Happyness. Just how many people agree that it's a good movie is a big surprise for me.
This is not to say Smith thinks King Richard is bad in any way. The point he's making is it's a bit of an outlier in his overall filmography. Despite Smith's star power, responses to his movies are all over the spectrum. Recent outings like Gemini Man and Aladdin received mixed-to-negative reviews. Even better-received projects like I Am Legend and The Pursuit of Happyness fell short of the type of widespread praise Smith was likely hoping for.
With even Smith surprised at how well reviewed the film is, it's no wonder that the actor is finding himself cleaning up at every awards ceremony. King Richard has certainly come at an opportune time. A film about the struggles of Black athletes rising to success is particularly poignant in today's social climate, and with the film as well made as everyone agrees it is, it is certainly hitting home for many people.
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