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Few actors have reached the level of fame Will Smith has in his astonishing career. From his early days in sitcoms likeThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airto blockbuster hits likeMen in Black, Smith has come a long way. However, it took a long time for him to get his efforts recognized, as he won his only Oscar in 2022 in his decades-long career.
![Will Smith as the Genie in Aladdin [Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/06142917/Will-Smith-as-the-Genie-in-Aladdin-Credit-Walt-Disney-Studios-Motion-Pictures.jpg)
Will Smith as the Genie in Aladdin [Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures]Will Smith won his first Academy Award forKing Richardin 2022 for Best Actor in a Leading Role. However, both Smith and his fans believe that he should’ve won an Oscar long ago, in a film Smith declared as the best movie he had ever been in.
Will Smith revealsThe Pursuit of Happynessis his best film ever
Will Smith‘s repertoire consists of all the genres you can think of – action, comedy, romance, drama – you name it. However,The Pursuit of Happynessremains a unique entry that stays close to his heart even to this day.
In a recent visit to the Hot Ones, Smith talked about which film he considered his best. He revealed, while almost choking on spicy wings:
I think the individual best movie, all around, that I’ve ever made is ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ right behind that is the first ‘Men In Black.’ The direction, cinematography, and music…
I think among the most fun I’ve ever had making a movie is like ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Aladdin’ like just the most fun. If I had to put four of them in a time capsule it would be ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ the first ‘Men In Black,’ ‘I Am Legend,’ and probably ‘King Richard.’
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, the film sees his journey from being a down-on-his-luck single father to becoming a successful stockbroker through sheer will and grit. The film brought a lot of viewers to tears, as Chris finally succeeds after going through humiliating hardships and providing for his son.
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A lot of fans believe Will Smith’s performance as Chris Gardener should’ve won him an Academy Award.
Fans wish Will Smith had won an Oscar forThe Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness has the distinction of being one of the very few movies where the parent-child dynamic was portrayed by real-life father and son. It was one of the reasons why Smith’s performance was so authentic, as he was not just acting out his character; he was seeing through the eyes of a struggling father.
Fans took to X and wished Smith had won an Oscar for his role:
This is the film he should have won the Oscar for.pic.twitter.com/8pXSe5TR8c
— Popcorn for Breakfast Podcast (@pfb_podcast)July 25, 2025
Probably true.pic.twitter.com/JvVQJKKrLJ
— OurMovieGuide (@OurMovieGuide)July 02, 2025
I’ll have to rewatch Pursuit of Happyness but I did not like it as a teenager. I felt he could’ve gotten a regular job while chasing his dreams?
PS: But the ending hit emotionally.
— the World’s Greatest Narcissist (@JAMnit_JAM)July 16, 2025
Both were incredible for different reasons. My first introduction to him was Men In Black so there’s a lot more nostalgia going on there for me. Although as a new parent I can really appreciate and understand the importance of the Pursuit of Happiness to him!
— DrixPerspective (@washedjohn)June 30, 2025
If no Forest Whitaker or Peter O’ Toole on that year’s awards season, Will Smith should’ve win Best Actor at the Oscar with Pursuit of Happiness. 🙏🏻❤️💯
— Peter Rabbit’s Award Buzz (@PeterRabbit_4DX)August 05, 2025
Though Will Smith was nominated for his role inThe Pursuit of Happyness, the Oscar for Best Actor eventually went to Forest Whitaker forThe Last King of Scotland. However, Smith would go on to win Best Actor at the 2022 Academy Awards forKing Richard, a sports drama based on a true story.
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Despite no Oscar wins,The Pursuit of Happynesswill go down in history as one of the most inspiring stories that stood the test of time, a testament to Will Smith’s tremendous acting skill.
The Pursuit of Happynessis available to rent onApple TV+.
Sayantan Choudhary
Senior Editor
Articles Published :108
Sayantan is a Senior Editor at FandomWire. His tingling for pop culture began at a tender age of 4 with a Superman: The Animated Series lunch box, which blossomed into his love for TV shows, films, anime, gaming, and comics. Having previously worked with reputed websites like Wiki Of Thrones and Collider over the past 5 years, his zeal has only multiplied manifold. When he’s not working or scrolling through fan debates and theories, you can find him memorizing workout videos (but never actually doing them).
