Smith accepted the Beacon Award at the African American Film Critics Association Awards ceremony Wednesday at the Beverly Wilshire.
HisEmancipationco-star Charmaine Bingwa and AAFCA co-founder Gil L. Robertson introduced Smith and Antoine Fuqua, the films director.
After a brief speech by Fuqua, Smith took the stage.
Smith saidEmancipationmeant so much to him, and thanked the people and companies that supported it being made.
I want to thank Gil and AAFCA.
I want to thank Apple, because the budget was one thing.
And then the budget was another thing.
And then the budget was another thing.
And Apple never flinched, Smith said.
They can do it.
Watch Smiths speech in the video above.
Before the speech, Smith met on the sidelines with Deadline and said he is happy to be back.
Smith is working on the fourth version of hisBad Boysfilm franchise.
Its just like going back, and its a different vibe, Smith said.
Im so happy to be back with the same people.
