Will Smith Thanks Richard Williams’ ‘Red, Tight Short Shorts’ for His ‘King Richard’ Success in National Board of Review Speech
variety.comJordan Moreau If it weren’t for Richard Williams’ iconic shorts in “King Richard,” Will Smith jokes he might not have landed himself piles of trophies this award season.The Oscar-nominated star gave a special shoutout to Williams’ “red, tight short shorts” during his speech at the National Board of Review gala, where he won best actor.“With Richard Williams, it was one of those ones where it was taking longer and longer, and as an actor you take a leap of faith.
You say, yes, you think you can get it. For Richard Williams — this is not a joke — when I put those shorts on, those red tight short shorts, I was like ‘Ok, I think I can do this here,'” Smith said, slipping back into Williams’ Southern accent as the crowd laughed and cheered. “It gave me an insight into Richard Williams.
The clothes that he wore, he had a vision of himself.” Smith took the stage at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York Tuesday night to accept the honor, where his co-star Aunjanue Ellis also won best supporting actress.
They’re both nominated at the Oscars, in addition to best picture, original screenplay, film editing and original song for the Warner Bros.
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