Jane Campion, director of The Power of the Dog, is facing criticism for a comment she made about Venus and Serena Williams during Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards. While accepting the award for best director during the ceremony, Campion began her speech by thanking the presenter, fellow New Zealander Taika Waititi.

She then thanked the Critics Choice Association and Halle Berry, who delivered a powerful speech on Sunday after receiving the SeeHer Award, according to People. As Campion continued with her own speech, she acknowledged Will Smith, who won best actor on Sunday for his performance in King Richard, People reports.

“I’ve taken up tennis — I truly have — and Will [Smith], if you want to come over and give me lessons, I would truly love it. I actually had to stop playing because I’ve got tennis elbow,” Campion said.

The director proceeded with her speech, giving kudos to the rest of the stars who were nominated for the best director award. As she then circled back to the King Richard movie, Campion directed her comments toward Venus and Serena Williams, the tennis legends portrayed in the biopic.

“Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels,” Campion said, according to Variety. “However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to.”

Jane Campion

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