Will Smith tearfully accepts his first Oscar after onstage slap incident

After twenty long years since his first nomination, Will Smith finally won his first-ever Oscar as best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Richard Williams in the critically-acclaimed film King Richard.

The award came after Smith hit presenter Chris Rock in the face after making a joke about his wife Jada Smith's shaved head appearance at Sunday's 94th Academy Awards.

While Smith didn't mention anything about the slapping incident in his tearful acceptance speech, he did start off by saying, "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," as if he was referencing how protective he could get about his wife and family.

"I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment, and I'm not crying for winning an award. It's not about winning an award for me. It's about being able to shine a light on all of the people," the Oscar awardee said while in tears.

"Tim and Trevor and Zack, and Saniyya and Demi, and Aunjanue, and the entire cast and crew of King Richard, and Venus and Serena, the entire Williams family. Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams," he added.

"Thank you for this honor. Thank you for this moment... and thank you and hoping The Academy invites me back. Thank you," Smith concluded his acceptance speech with a laugh. — LA, GMA News