Will Smith punches Chris Rock at the Oscars 1:58
(CNN) --
Will Smith won his first Oscar on Sunday night and apologized to the Academy and fellow guests for the incident that occurred just minutes earlier, when the actor appeared to punch host Chris Rock.
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He tearfully accepted the award for his role as Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, in the movie "King Richard."
Smith said that Williams "was a fierce supporter of his family."
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He continued: "I know that to do what we do, you have to be able to take abuse and have people talk about you. In this industry, there are going to be people who disrespect you. And you have to smile and pretend that it's okay. ".
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Smith also spoke about being a "protector" and thanked the tennis legends and his family.
Smith shared that, prior to his win, fellow nominee Denzel Washington shared some wisdom with him: "At your highest, be careful, that's when the devil is coming for you."
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Smith finished by saying that he hopes the Academy will welcome him back.
Oscar Awards Will Smith