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.