First-ever SAG Award: Will Smith brought to tears

2023 Author: Jordan Walter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 21:14

In the night from Sunday to Monday, the coveted SAG Awards were presented in Santa Monica, California. A big night for all the nominees - especially for Will Smith, who has actually never been able to take home a Screen Actors Guild trophy in his career. But this year, his big moment has finally come!

Tearful Acceptance Speech

For his role as Richard Williams in the tennis drama "King Richard", Will Smith received the SAG Award for the first time this year - and that as best leading actor in a film."This is one of the greatest moments of my career," the actor notes in his emotional speech. His thanks also go to the sports icons Serena and Venus Williams, whose father he embodies in his film. The latter even accompanies him to the award ceremony and is also close to tears: "When my name was called for 'King Richard', I was sitting next to Venus Williams."

Helen Mirren Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

While Will Smith wins the honor for the first time, Helen Mirren scoops the Hollywood Actors Association award for the sixth time. This year, however, the actress will be honored for her life's work. "Life's work, that sounds so great. I assume I'm still alive, so by that standard I'm probably suitable," she begins her speech and then reveals her personal secret recipe: "Be on time and don't be an ass.“

The big winners of the evening

By the way, the South Korean hit series “Squid Game” is the first non-English language series to win prizes at the SAG Awards, making history. Besides Lee Jung-jae, who can look forward to a trophy for best leading actor in a drama series, his colleague Jung Ho-yeon is also honored as best leading actress in a drama. In addition, "Squid Game" wins as the best stunt ensemble in a series.

Jessica Chastain receives the SAG Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye. In the top category for the ensemble prize, the deaf drama "Coda" knocked out competitors such as "Belfast", "House of Gucci" and "King Richard". "Coda" actor Troy Kotsur also scoops the Best Supporting Actor trophy, becoming the first deaf actor to take home a SAG award. Ariana DeBose is honored for Best Supporting Actress for the film musical "West Side Story".