Will Smith hits Chris Rock at Oscars - then wins best actor award for King Richard

Will Smith won his first Oscar for his portrayal of Venus and Serena Williams’ father Richard on Sunday evening, but his award win was overshadowed following a jaw-dropping incident involving comedian Chris Rock minutes earlier.

Smith, 53, won the best actor award for his role in biopic King Richard; however, it was his punch on Rock which the 94th Academy Awards will forever be remembered for.

The former Fresh Prince was reacting to a joke that Rock had aimed towards his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Referring to Pinkett Smith’s shortly shaved hair, Rock joked: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”

Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke but then proceeded to walk up on stage before hitting a stunned Rock in the face.

“Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me,” Rock said.

Smith sat back in his seat before shouting loudly: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!”

Rock, looking around the room in disbelief at what had just happened, then said: “That was er… the greatest night in the history of television.”

Watch the shocking footage here:

VIA JAPANESE TELEVISION: The uncensored exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock pic.twitter.com/j0Z184ZyXa

The Full Uncensored video of Will Smith’s altercation with Chris Rock at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/cGQ3plSEiz

Smith went on to receive a standing ovation from the crowd after he was announced as best actor.

His portrayal of Richard Williams, who played a key role in Venus and Serena’s rise to the top of tennis, saw him land the first Oscar of his 30-year career.

In his acceptance speech, Smith said: “I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to my all my fellow nominees.”

He added: Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about