Venus and Serena Williams announced as presenters at the 2022 Oscars
Venus and Serena Williams have been announced as two of the presenters for the 94th Academy Awards, slated to be held on 27 March. They will also be in attendance at the Dolby Theater to root for their father's biopic, King Richard, which has been nominated for six awards.
Venus and Serena Williams will join Hollywood A-listers such as Jake Gyllenhaal and JK Simmons as presenters at the 2022 Oscars. The sisters also took on the role at the recently-held Critics' Choice Awards, where Will Smith won Best Actor.
Meet the sixth slate of presenters for the 94th #Oscars. https://t.co/TWulFig5NK
King Richard traces the lives of the young Williams sisters in Compton, California and the role of their father, Richard Williams, in nurturing their tennis dreams. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film features famed Hollywood actor Will Smith in the titular role.
King Richard was released in US theaters last November to much critical acclaim. It is now vying for multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Smith. Aunjanue Ellis, meanwhile, is in contention for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Oracene Price, mother of the Williams sisters.
The film is also in the running for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. Popular singer Beyonce bagged her maiden Oscar nomination for her single "Be Alive" which features in the biopic. She will be performing the song live for the first time at the awards ceremony on Sunday.
"King Richard is just about family, this is a story that you can watch in 10 years" - Serena Williams
“It feels so good to be alive.” Based on the true story of Venus and Serena Williams that will inspire the world, watch the new trailer for #KingRichard, starring Will Smith and featuring "Be Alive" by Beyoncé. See it in theaters and streaming exclusively on @HBOMax November 19. https://t.co/DVmvegf4zF
In a recent interview with Warner Bros. Pictures, Serena Williams emphasized how family ties is a key essence of the film. She believes stories such as her family's can go a long way in uplifting people and that the film will "stand the test of time."
"For me, King Richard is just about family," Williams said. "These are the stories that stand the test of time. This is a story that you can watch in 10 years. This is what we need. We need a story that's going to uplift people and that's going to have a moment that makes everyone feel good."
The 23-time Grand Slam champion pointed out how the film explores several themes aside from sport and described it as a fresh version of the "American story".
"It goes so much beyond sport," the Former World No. 1 said. "Sport is a part of the story but really in the big picture it's such a small part of the story and that's what I really love about the film. It's really a new version of the American story."
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