Reflecting upon Will Smith‘s captivating cinematic journey, it is truly awe-inspiring to witness the versatility and depth of his acting prowess. From his early days on the small screen to his blockbuster film career, the man has consistently delivered performances that demand our attention and respect.
Over the past few decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to make a name for myself in both music and movies, Hollywood style. As an A-lister, I’ve delivered countless critically acclaimed performances throughout my lengthy film journey. I’ve shown my versatility as a performer and producer, dabbling in various genres. Some of the films where you might have seen me include the gripping drama Where the Day Takes You, the massive blockbuster Independence Day, the action-packed Bad Boys series, and the charming classic Hitch.
As a gamer, I’ve always been impressed by how versatile Will Smith is on the silver screen. From taking on diverse characters to delivering award-winning performances like his Best Actor Oscar for “King Richard,” it’s clear that he’s got the chops. And while “King Richard” may be just one of many, there are several other films in his impressive filmography that deserve an Academy Award nod. Here are some Will Smith movies that truly stand out.
Six Degrees Of Separation (1993)
One year following his initial movie appearance, Will Smith left an impressive mark in the stage-to-screen rendition titled “Six Degrees of Separation“. During this early phase of his acting career, he seized a notable opportunity to portray Paul, a sophisticated swindler and burglar.
As a devotee, I found myself deeply inspired by the real-life swindler, David Hampton, while preparing for my acting debut in cinema. Drawing on cues from the critically acclaimed stage play, I aimed to portray a specific epoch in Hampton’s life, revealing his deceits and stratagems within New York high society. In this role, I underwent a transformation as I exuded charm and character during my interactions with the Kittredges – the family I conned. My initial major film performance was marked by an engaging character study brimming with emotion and complexity.
The play primarily revolved around Paul’s diverse encounters, yet it was Paul’s scenes with the late Donald Sutherland and Stockard Channing’s one-sided affection that truly captivated audiences. Smith shared some remarkable scenes with fellow actors like Oz Perkins and Ian McKellen. Both critics and cinema enthusiasts acknowledged his performance as the Men in Black star, showering him with praise. Regrettably, this recognition did not result in a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for Smith despite his deserving it.
You can watch the acclaimed stage-to-screen adaptation through an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Ali (2001)
In the year 2001, Will Smith became a beloved figure during awards season with the biopic “Ali,” in which he portrayed the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who was previously known as Cassius Clay, on the silver screen.
The award-winning musician found motivation and creativity by collaborating with Ali for a year, and he skillfully depicted the transformation of Cassius Clay into Ali, although certain artistic freedoms were employed in the process. However, the performance undeniably highlighted remarkable athletic abilities. Smith masterfully dramatized the tumultuous fame journey of the boxing icon, from his early career to the renowned Rumble in the Jungle. This portrayal enabled the prominent movie star to introduce depth and understanding to the audience, as they witnessed the complex aspects of the larger-than-life figure’s vices and problematic relationships unfold on screen.
From my gaming perspective, I was fully immersed in that sports biopic, living and breathing the life of Ali. The chemistry between Will Smith and his on-screen partners, like Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nona Gaye, Michael Michele, and Mario Van Peebles, made it all the more captivating. Taking up the task of portraying this boxing legend earned Smith a wave of praise from both critics and viewers, with nominations for Best Actor at the NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Oscars. Unfortunately, the Oscar glory didn’t come my way that year, as Denzel Washington’s performance in Training Day was recognized instead. Smith’s first loss is still regarded as one of the Academy’s biggest oversights.
Get a Netflix subscription to watch the beloved biopic.
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
Smith revisited his award-winning journey with the biographical film “The Pursuit of Happyness“, in which he portrayed the life of renowned motivational speaker and influential figure, Chris Gardener.
Will Smith, portraying Hancock, employed his acting talents to depict a tumultuous period in Gardener’s life. Acting alongside his son, Jaden, offered Smith the opportunity to delve into the profound impact of the father-son bond. By taking on a real-life story, Smith was able to deliver a multi-layered performance, as he immersed himself in Gardener’s personal struggles, such as financial hardships, single parenthood, and career transitions.
The feel-good movie beautifully captured the power of the Black father/son dynamic, thanks to the real-life father-son duo of Will and Jaden Smith. However, their dynamic wasn’t the only one explored, as the elder Smith had tremendous chemistry with co-stars Thandiwe Newton and Brian Howe. Illustrating the businessman’s unhoused period brought the box office superstar unanimous critical and audience praise, translated to Best Actor nominations from SAG, NAACP Image, Golden Globes, and Oscars. Like his Ali awards run, the awards season didn’t pan out into a well-deserved Best Actor Oscar win, with him losing to Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland.
You can watch the moving biopic by renting/buying it with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Emancipation (2022)
In the Apple TV+ historical drama, “Emancipation,” Will Smith portrayed one of his most challenging and dehumanizing roles yet, transforming the true-life freed slave, Peter, into a cinematic icon.
The gifted actor meticulously developed all his abilities to breathe life into Peter, enhancing the narrative of the man whose image was spread far and wide in the iconic photo “Whipped Peter.” Smith skillfully portrayed Peter’s life before and after the Emancipation Proclamation from various perspectives. This exploration allowed him to delve deeper into the harsh realities of slavery and war, as well as depict his quest for family and freedom. Navigating these complex themes significantly elevated Smith’s performance.
Although the film primarily showcased Smith’s talent, he delivered his finest performance alongside Charmaine Bingwa, who played his on-screen spouse, and Ben Foster, the main antagonist. He demonstrated his worth as a collaborative actor for both performers. His powerful portrayal in this historic picture earned early Oscar speculation, and he received NAACP Image Award nomination. However, the anticipation did not lead to a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for him.
Stream the haunting pastiche through an Apple TV+ subscription.
Enemy Of The State (1998)
The music icon played an everyman for the first time in the thriller Enemy of the State. Smith became a lawyer on the run, Robert Dean, who joined forces with surveillance expert Edward “Brill” Lyle (played by Oscar winner Gene Hackman).
In this role, the renowned actor showcased his versatility by deviating from his typical action hero persona, instead infusing a blend of gravity and humor into the character. The audience found themselves drawn into Dean’s complex life, as he navigated a deepening vortex of political complications. Amidst this entanglement, his professional and personal lives became inextricably linked, offering Smith the opportunity to adapt Dean’s methods for escaping trouble based on the circumstances at hand.
As a gamer, I was thoroughly captivated when I saw that screen legend, Will Smith, shared the silver screen for the first time with acting juggernaut, Hackman, in our movie. The sparks between them were undeniable, even though it was their initial collaboration. This electric bond seeped into our other cast members, including Regina King and Jon Voight. Our thriller garnered positive feedback, earning Smith accolades from critics. He even landed a nomination for the NAACP Image Award. Regrettably, he missed out on a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
You have the option to stream the timeless political thriller across various platforms, such as with a Hulu membership or on Amazon Prime Video.
Ride or Die,” which is currently available for streaming.
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2024-08-28 16:08