alteration and the award for best actor. >> will smith! >> reporter: instead, smith was back on stage, accepting his first best actor oscar for "king richard," about venus and serena williams' father and coach. >> richard williams was a fierce defender of his family. >> reporter: smith suggesting he, like serena and venus' father, was now protecting his family. >> art imitates life. i look like the crazy father, just like they said. >> reporter: also sharing what fellow oscar winner denzel washington told him during a break. >> denzel said to me a few minutes ago, he said, at your highest moment, be careful, that's when the devil comes for you. >> reporter: smith apologizing to the academy, but not to rock. >> i want to apologize to the academy, i want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. >> reporter: in recent years, jada pinkett smith opening up about her struggles with hair loss.