Role: Cassius Clay Jr / Cassius X / Muhammad Ali
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Directed by: Michael Mann
Written by: Mann, Eric Roth, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson
Visionary director Michael Mann’s take on 10 years of the life of the famed boxer Muhammad Ali, gave Will Smith the role that would let everyone know he was one of the most talented actors of his generation.
While not drawing the box office numbers that usually mark a Smith film, it was well-received by critics and brought him his first Oscar nomination.
He ultimately lost to Denzel Washington, whose historic win for “Training Day” came alongside Halle Berry’s victory for “Monster’s Ball.” While the race might have been between Russell Crowe (“A Beautiful Mind”) and Washington.
His navigation of a complex man, with no exaggerated impersonation, is his greatest gift.
