Will Smith delivered an emotional speech after taking the honor for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role at the SAG Awards, a recognition he received for starring in King Richard. Accepting the award in front of Venus Williams, the tennis superstar who is portrayed in the King Richard biopic, along with her sister, Smith described the honor as "one of the greatest moments of his career." 

“Thank you. 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,” the actor who played Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, said.

Smith described Richard as a "dreamer like no one you have 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,” the actor said. 

Venus was filled with emotion as she sat in the audience, listening to Smith's speech. As he proceeded with his speech, Smith praised co-star Aunjanue Ellis, as well as young stars Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton.

"Aunjanue you pushed every single day. You demanded authenticity and you did it in such a beautiful and quiet, powerful way," the 53-year-old said. "Saniyya and Demi these two young ladies … you guys are actors, so you know how sometimes your on-screen characters kind of bleed into real life. To walk you around this room tonight, to parent you on this film, to deliver you into this business has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life."

Smith, who earned his first SAG Award on Sunday, competed with fellow nominees Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington, E! News reports. The King Richard star was also nominated for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, but came up short. In a statement to E! News, the Hollywood icon said he is "humbled and honored" because the Williams family trusted him with their story.

"Getting to walk in Richard's shoes and having the opportunity not only to show the world how misunderstood he was, but also to illuminate the true plight of this family as they paved their own road to becoming two of the most iconic names in sports history," he said. "I'm beyond grateful for this experience, for this ensemble cast being recognized, and am mostly proud to play a small part in shining further light and love on the Williams family!"