Will Smith’sKing Richard Role Restored A 18-Year-Old Oscars Streak That His $48.6M Box Office Broke

Will Smith’s King Richard Role Restored A 18-Year-Old Oscars Streak That His $48.6M Box Office Bomb Broke
Will Smith's biopic Oscar streak was restored by the success of King Richard in 2021, earning six nominations at the Academy Awards.
King Richard not only garnered acclaim but also helped Will Smith break a trend of not receiving Oscar nominations for biographical dramas.
Will Smith's diverse acting portfolio, including mainstream blockbusters, hindered his Oscar recognition until his award-winning role in King Richard.
An 18-year-old Will Smith Oscar streak was broken by an unfortunate $48.6 million box office bomb, but King Richard finally restored it in 2021. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, King Richard is based on the true story of the father and coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. In the film, Will Smith portrays the titular figure, while Venus and Serena Williams are played by Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, respectively.After its release, King Richard was not only commended by viewers and critics but also touted as one of the best films of 2021. Even at the Academy Awards, King Richard performed exceptionally well with six nominations, including Best Picture. Apart from earning immense acclaim and winning several awards, the biopic also reinstated a Will Smith trend that a 2015 film had ended.