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'ENJOY YOUR OPEN MARRIAGE': Will Smith slammed for 'FAKE TEARS' during Oscars 2022 acceptance speech

Will Smith is facing sharp criticism for his acceptance speech after slapping Chris Rock

The 94th Academy Awards returned to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 27, with the red carpet teeming with Hollywood's best and finest. This year, Will Smith won the award for Best Lead Actor for his performance in 'King Richard'. The movie is an American biographical sports drama film directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin. It traces the story of Richard Williams, the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. The film, which premiered at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2021, was theatrically released on November 19, 2021, by Warner Bros. Pictures and on the HBO Max streaming service. The other actors nominated in the Best Lead Actor category were Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog), Andrew Garfield (Tick, Tick … Boom!), and Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth). Last year, the award was bagged by Anthony Hopkins for 'The Father'. 

Social media users believe Will Smith deserved the award, however, his achievement was overshadowed as viewers were left stunned after he slapped Chris Rock for cracking a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Social media is at present more focused on slamming Smith rather than appreciating him for his win.

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Rock was on stage to present the award for Best Documentary Film when he decided to poke fun at Jada's shaved head, which is a result of Jada suffering from an autoimmune disease. When Rock said she ould star in "G.I. Jane", and Smith walked onto the stage, slapped Rock in the face, and walked back to his seat. "Keep my wife's name out of your f-----g mouth," he yelled at Rock. Smith, however, later apologized for his shocking act.

Will Smith's acceptance speech

"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. Making this film, I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the most strongest, most delicate people I’ve ever met. I got to protect Saniyya [Sidney] and Demi [Singleton], the two actresses who play Venus and Serena. I’m being called on in my life to love people. And to protect people and to be a river to my people," Smith said in his acceptance speech. "I know, to do what we do, we got to be able to take abuse. You gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you gotta be able to have people disrespecting you and you gotta smile and pretend like that’s OK."

"Denzel said to me a few minutes ago, “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.” I want to be a vessel for love. I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family for trusting me with your story," Smith added. "I want to be an ambassador of that kind of love and care. I want to apologize to the Academy, I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me, it’s about being able to shine a light on all the people … and the entire cast and crew of King Richard and Venus and Serena and the entire Williams family. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams! But, love will make you do crazy things. Hoping the Academy invites me back!"

'Fake tears'

Will Smith is facing sharp criticism for his acceptance speech after slapping Chris Rock. Social media users have slammed him for his "fake, drummed up tears". "I want to be a vessel for love”…and for assault. Way to show that violence is always the answer, #WillSmith. Love the fake, drummed up tears for the acceptance speech. Class act," one user wrote. "Anyone else throwing up over Will Smith’s fake acceptance speech and Jada taking the wrap off her head!! The evening should be remembered for Troy Kotsur," wrote another. One commented, "And will smith wants to be "a vessel of love" ?? What an acting moment with fake tears during his acceptance speech. #oscars2022 pathetic he cant control his temper. Like father like son after all."

"The only thing that was fake is will smith's acceptance speech afterwards," one user wrote, while another said, "Will Smith’s Oscar should be voided. Go ahead and talk about God and loving people, fake tears you disrespected yourself by using violence. No longer a fan, enjoy your open marriage." "Not sure there’s ever been a more pathetic speech and fake tears than Will Smith. Can’t take a joke and now covering his a**," one user said.