2022 is already turning out as a swell year for Will Smith. The “I Am Legend” actor has been on a roll, sweeping awards left, right, and center, particularly for his enthralling performance in the 2021 sports biography “King Richard.”
While picking up his Best Actor awards at the National Board of Review gala in New York City, Smith showed he is not scared to say what he thinks as he offered his industry colleague Bradley Cooper a sweet mention in his award speech.
Read below for more details on what Smith said.
Will Smith Called Bradley Cooper ‘Beautiful’
Smith received the Best Actor award for “King Richard” at the 2022 National Board of Review dinner on Tuesday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Award-winning comedian and host of “The Daily Show,” Trevor Noah did the honors of presenting Smith the awards and lauded the actor for his selfless works throughout his career.
According to People, Smith subsequently gave a speech that became one of the ceremony’s highlights. He started by commenting about how he pushed his dreams to become a reality, then likened his journey with Bradley Cooper’s handsome looks.
“We all have that thing in us. We have a dream, and it seems crazy, the thing that you want to do,” Smith told the attendees.
“I look at Bradley Cooper. I’ve seen pictures of him when he was young — he didn’t look like this! He grew into that,” he added. “He let the dream blossom inside of him. I can’t even concentrate; he’s so beautiful.”
Bradley Cooper Reacted To Will Smith’s Comments
Later in the event, Cooper also climbed the stage to present awards to “Licorice Pizza” film’s stars, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, for their breakout performances in the coming-of-age comedy. He took the opportunity to reply to Smith’s comment about his looks, saying, “I’m not gonna forget that, Will.”
The event also rewarded Paul Thomas Anderson with the Best Director honors and Smith’s co-star Aunjanue Ellis the Best Supporting Actress award. Rachel Zegler won the Best Actress for her work in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” while Ciarán Hinds took home the Best Supporting Actor for “Belfast,”
Asghar Farhadi also picked up the Best Script for “A Hero,” and Joel Coen won the Best-Adapted Screenplay for “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” which was also nominated for Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography.
Smith’s Biggest Surprise This Award Season
In “King Richard,” Smith played the role of Richard Williams, the father and coach of award-winning tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Given the quality of the cast performances and storyline, it is no surprise that the film has garnered so much critical acclaim since its release.
However, Smith pointed on the red carpet what he found shocking about the far-reaching success of “King Richard.” “I guess the biggest surprise so far for me with this film is how unanimous the reaction is to the film,” he said.
“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 Happiness. Just how many people agree that it’s a good movie is a big surprise for me.”
Will Smith’s Upcoming Movie Features
View this post on Instagram
Apart from the NBR award, Smith has already landed a SAG Award, BAFTA, and Critics Choice Award for his performance in “King Richards.” Additionally, the actor has earned a nomination for Best Actor at the upcoming Oscars.
Smith is not resting on the laurels of his recent success. The actor is slated to feature in a couple of film projects. He recently announced that he would make a return in the sequel of his 2007 post-apocalyptic thriller
“I am Legend 2,” starring alongside “Creed” actor Michael B Jordan. Smith will also star in Disney’s live-action sequel “Aladdin 2” and an upcoming crime thriller “The Council.”
View this post on Instagram
