Will Smith pays tribute to Williams family in SAG Awards speech

Will Smith took home his first-ever Screen Actors Guild award over the weekend for his role in King Richard, and he paid tribute to the family of the man he embodied in an emotional acceptance speech.

King Richard is a biographical drama based on the story of Richard Williams, and it follows his tenacious journey of turning two of his daughters, Venus and Serena, into tennis champions. The film has been a hit with critics since its release last November, and Smith’s stellar performance has also been lauded with award nominations, including his first Golden Globe win for Best Actor.

The Williams family was in attendance at the SAG Awards in Santa Monica, with Venus donning an asymmetrical white-and-silver Dolce & Gabbana dress for the occasion. Venus sat next to Smith throughout the evening, and the pair celebrated when his name was finally called.

"Wow. That may have been one of the greatest moments of my career just now, because my name was called for King Richard sitting next to Venus Williams and sister Isha," Smith said.

"Richard Williams is a dreamer like no one you've ever known. He has a power of belief that borders on insanity and sometimes tips over the border, which is absolutely necessary to take something from impossible to possible."

"Venus, Serena, the Williams family, you entrusted me and our group with your story," he added. "You didn't agree to put your name on it until you saw the final cut, I get that. That's real, because we be messing stuff up sometimes. Thank you very much. It was my deepest pleasure to honor your family and tell your story to the world."

After claiming his first Best Actor wins at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, Smith is also widely tipped to take home his first Oscar for King Richard at the upcoming Academy Awards. He is nominated alongside Javier Bardem, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington, one of six Oscar nominations the film has received.