King of the SAG Awards! Will Smith shares a backstage kiss with his shaven-headed wife Jada as he celebrates his Best Actor win for biopic about Serena Williams’ father
Will Smith shared a sweet kiss with his thrilled wife Jada after scooping Best Actor at the 2022 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards on Sunday.
The Hollywood star, 53, who won the prize for his role in King Richard, beamed as he cosied up to the actress backstage following the ceremony.
Will and Jada have been incredibly open in recent years about the struggles they have faced during their 24-year marriage, including her ‘entanglement’ with singer August Alsina in 2017.
Loved-up: Will Smith shared a sweet kiss with his thrilled wife Jada after scooping Best Actor at the 2022 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards on Sunday
Jada cut a glamorous figure in an eye-catching navy blue gown with an elegant high neck that flowed into a dramatic skirt, layered over a black knitted polo neck.
Looking every inch the proud wife, she shared a kiss with Will backstage after he won the SAG prize for playing Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard in the acclaimed biopic.
In recent years Will and Jada have spoken openly about the struggles they’ve faced during their marriage, which included the couple briefly splitting in 2011.
In 2020 Jada admitted to her affair with 27-year-old musician August during a bombshell tell-all confessional on her Facebook show, Red Table Talk.
Over the moon: The Hollywood star, who won the prize for his role in King Richard, beamed as he cosied up to the actress backstage following the ceremony
Jovial: After his historic win, Will packed on the PDA with wife Jada in the trophy room backstage during the ceremony
Lauded: Will has earned critical acclaim for his performance as Serena and Venus Williams’ father Richard in the biopic
Jada said she developed a friendship with August four years ago, but revealed she and Will were going through a ‘difficult time’ and had ‘basically broken up’.
SAG 2022 WINNERS: FIRST GLANCE
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Jason Sudeikis (‘Ted Lasso’)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Jean Smart (‘Hacks’)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
‘Ted Lasso’ (Apple TV Plus)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Lee Jung-Jae (‘Squid Game’)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jung Ho-yeon (‘Squid Game’)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
‘Succession’ (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Ariana DeBose (‘West Side Story’)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Troy Kotsur (‘CODA’)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Jessica Chastain (‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Will Smith (‘King Richard’)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
‘CODA’ (Apple Original Films)
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
‘No Time to Die’
‘Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
‘Squid Game’
The shocking confessional comes after both actors initially denied August’s claims that Will gave him his blessing to have a relationship with Jada.
Jada began explaining the couple met August through their son Jaden, 22, and recalled the singer, who would have been 23 at the time, was ‘really sick’.
Jade said: ‘And it all started with him just needing some help, me wanting to help his health, his mental state.
‘The outpouring for him from our family was initially about his health,’ she said. ‘We found all those different resources to help pull him through and from there you and I were going through a very difficult time.’
Following Jada’s confession Will admitted: ‘I was done with you,’ while Jada added that they decided to separate for a ‘period of time’.
‘And then what did you do, Jada?’ Will asked, urging his wife to keep talking.
‘As time went on, I got into a different type of entanglement with August,’ Jada explained.
The mother-of-two went on to respond to August’s claim that Will gave her ‘permission’ to have an affair.
‘The only person that can give permission in that circumstance is myself,’ she insisted.
‘But what August was probably trying to communicate because I could see how he could see it as permission because we were separated amicably, and I think he wanted to make it clear he’s not a home wrecker, because he’s not.’
When Will pushed Jada to clarify what she meant by ‘entanglement’ she responded, ‘It was a relationship, absolutely.’
Jada continued: ‘I was in a lot of pain, and I was very broken. In the process of that relationship I definitely realized that you can’t find happiness outside yourself.’
She explained the couple were going through a process of healing, saying: ‘I just wanted to feel good, It had been so long since I felt good… and it was really a joy to just help heal somebody.’
Will also previously recount in his memoir how he revealed his desire of having a harem to a tantric sex counselor when he split from Jada in 2011.
The couple separated after Will threw Jada an over-the-top birthday 40th bash which he had dreamed up three years prior, according to an excerpt obtained by the New York Post.
While they ‘didn’t want a divorce’, Will says they needed time to be apart from one another. He said fulfilling one another was a ‘vampiric relational model.’
Open: Will and Jada have been open in recent years about the struggles they have faced during their marriage, including her’ ‘entanglement’ with singer August Alsina in 2017
Gorgeous: Jada cut a glamorous figure in an eye-catching navy blue gown with an elegant high neck that flowed into a dramatic skirt, layered over a black knitted polo neck
This led Will down a path of spiritual exploration which saw him take ayahuasca 14 times over the course of two years and encounter a presence he called ‘Mother’ during eight of those experiences.
He also described meeting a counselor specializing in tantric sexuality, Michaela Boehm, during his split from Jada.
While Will and Jada would eventually reconcile, he did recently reveal in an interview with GQ that they no longer practice monogamy.
Before Will Smith won his first ever Screen Actors Guild award, he also received some kind words from his mentor, Denzel Washington.
Elated: A delighted Will was seen taking to the stage to accept his award, branding this one of the greatest moments of his career
Smith revealed to People that Washington told him that 2022 was ‘your year.’
Will arrived at the event in a classic three-piece dark blue suit from Dolce and Gabbana.
Veteran entertainer Smith – who has had a career spanning nearly four decades – said this is one of the greatest moments of his career as he was seated next to tennis great and daughter of the real-life man he played Venus Williams.
He explained: ‘Thank you all. 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. And her sister. Richard Williams is a dreamer like no one you’ve ever known.
Looking ace: He was up against: Javier Bardem (‘Being the Ricardos’), Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Power of the Dog’), Andrew Garfield (‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’), and Denzel Washington (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’)
‘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. You pushed every single day. You demanded authenticity, and you did it in such a beautiful and quiet and powerful way. And you did it wonderful justice.’
A hilarious moment came when Smith thanked the Williams family for signing onto the project despite reservation.
The Philadelphia-native said: ‘Venus, Serena, the Williams family, you entrusted me and our group with your story. You didn’t agree to put your name on it until you saw the final project. I get that. I get that. It’s cool.
‘That’s real, that’s real, because we be messing stuff up sometimes. But when I got the call and you watched the movie and you said you loved it, I just want to say thank you very much.
‘It was my deepest pleasure to honor your family and to tell your story to the world. Thank you all. I’m thanking to much. Thank you all. Thank you.’
Denzel and Will: Before he accepted his award, Will was seen receiving some kind words from his mentor, Denzel Washington
The most emotional moment when Smith got tearful when talking about the young actors who played Venus and Serena – Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton – and how ‘parenting’ them at the event was a complete honor for him personally and professionally.
‘A tear could be seen on the talented actor’s face as he said: ‘You guys [Sidney and Singleton] are actors, so you know how sometimes your on-screen characters kind of bleed into real life.
‘And 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.’
Will and Denzel: Will arrived at the event in a classic three-piece dark blue suit, with a dark blue suit coat, dark blue vest, light blue dress shirt and black tie
Denzel, who was nominated for his performance in The Tragedy of Macbeth but lost to his old friend Smith, opted for a classic black suit with a white shirt and black tie.
Smith has already won a Golden Globe and a National Board of Review award for his performance in King Richard, and he’s nominated for a Best Actor Oscar and a slew of other awards.
When asked after receiving his award what his longtime friend and mentor Denzel Washington said to him while the reunited, Smith revealed to People what Washington said.
‘We’ve spent a lot of time together. So we’ve been talking, he’s always been a mentor for me and he grabbed me and he said, “This is your year,”‘ Smith said.
Will’s year: ‘We’ve spent a lot of time together. So we’ve been talking, he’s always been a mentor for me and he grabbed me and he said, “This is your year,”‘ Smith said
Smith has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar twice, back in 2002 for Ali and 2007 for The Pursuit of Happyness, but he’s hoping a third time is the charm with his third nomination for King Richard.
Smith added that Washington, ‘just hugged me and he said, “I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming.”‘
‘He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice so he’s seen me through the years and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow,’ Smith added of his mentor.
So happy: Smith added that Washington, ‘just hugged me and he said, “I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming”‘
Weight: ‘He knew me years ago, I would go to Denzel for advice so he’s seen me through the years and he was just telling me how proud he is of who I’ve become and what I’ve become. He was saying that he felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders somehow,’ Smith added of his mentor
Smith and Washington will be vying for the Oscar together, as they’re both nominated for Best Actor.
They will be going up against Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) and Andrew Garfield (tick, tick… BOOM!).
The awards will be handed out on Sunday, March 27 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, airing on ABC.
Oscar nominees: Smith and Washington will be vying for the Oscar together, as they’re both nominated for Best Actor
Competition: They will be going up against Javier Bardem (Being the Ricardos), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog) and Andrew Garfield (tick, tick… BOOM!)
SAG AWARD WINNERS 2022
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Murray Bartlett (‘The White Lotus’)
Oscar Isaac (‘Scenes From a Marriage’)
Michael Keaton (‘Dopesick’) – WINNER
Ewan McGregor (‘Halston’)
Evan Peters (‘Mare of Easttown’)
Emotional: Michael Keaton got tearful as he won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for Dopesick
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Jennifer Coolidge (‘The White Lotus’)
Cynthia Erivo (‘Genius: Aretha’)
Margaret Qualley (‘Maid’)
Jean Smart (‘Mare of Easttown’)
Kate Winslet (‘Mare of Easttown’) – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Michael Douglas (‘The Kominsky Method’)
Brett Goldstein (‘Ted Lasso’)
Steve Martin (‘Only Murders in the Building’)
Martin Short (‘Only Murders in the Building’)
Jason Sudeikis (‘Ted Lasso’) – WINNER
Mind of a goldfish: Jason Sudeikis won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for Ted Lasso
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Elle Fanning (‘The Great’)
Sandra Oh (‘The Chair’)
Jean Smart (‘Hacks’) – WINNER
Juno Temple (‘Ted Lasso’)
Hannah Waddingham (‘Ted Lasso’)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
‘The Great’ (Hulu)
‘Hacks’ (HBO Max)
‘The Kominsky Method’ (Netflix)
‘Only Murders in the Building’ (Hulu)
‘Ted Lasso’ (Apple TV Plus) – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Brian Cox (‘Succession’)
Billy Crudup (‘The Morning Show’)
Kieran Culkin (‘Succession’)
Lee Jung-Jae (‘Squid Game’) – WINNER
Jeremy Strong (‘Succession’)
Epic: Lee Jung-Jae beat out three actors from Succession to earn Actor in a Drama Series for Squid Game
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jennifer Aniston (‘The Morning Show’)
Jung Ho-yeon (‘Squid Game’) – WINNER
Elizabeth Moss (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’)
Sarah Snook (‘Succession’)
Reese Witherspoon (‘The Morning Show’)
Stunner: Jung Ho-yeon also won for Squid Game
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (Hulu)
‘The Morning Show’ (Apple TV Plus)
‘Squid Game’ (Netflix)
‘Succession’ (HBO) – WINNER
‘Yellowstone’ (Paramount Network)
Icon: Brian Cox accepted the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series on behalf of the Succession cast
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Caitríona Balfe (‘Belfast’)
Cate Blanchett (‘Nightmare Alley’)
Ariana DeBose (‘West Side Story’) – WINNER
Kirsten Dunst (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Ruth Negga (‘Passing)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Ben Affleck (‘The Tender Bar’)
Bradley Cooper (‘Licorice Pizza’)
Troy Kotsur (‘CODA’) – WINNER
Jared Leto (‘House of Gucci’)
Kodi Smit-McPhee (‘The Power of the Dog’)
History: Troy Kotsur became the first ever deaf individual to win a SAG Award for his role in CODA
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Jessica Chastain (‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’) – WINNER
Olivia Colman (‘The Lost Daughter’)
Lady Gaga (‘House of Gucci’)
Jennifer Hudson (‘Respect’)
Nicole Kidman (‘Being the Ricardos’)
Can’t believe it: Jessica Chastain was shocked as she won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem (‘Being the Ricardos’)
Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Power of the Dog’)
Andrew Garfield (‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’)
Will Smith (‘King Richard’) – WINNER
Denzel Washington (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’)
Ace: Will Smith won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for King Richard
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
‘Belfast’ (Focus Features)
‘CODA’ (Apple Original Films) – WINNER
‘Don’t Look Up’ (Netflix)
‘House of Gucci’ (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
‘King Richard’ (Warner Bros)
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
‘Black Widow’
‘Dune’
‘The Matrix Resurrections’
‘No Time to Die’ – WINNER
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
‘Cobra Kai’
‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’
‘Loki’
‘Mare of Easttown’
‘Squid Game’ – WINNER
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