Who Presented the Best Actress Award Instead of Will Smith?
The 2020 Academy Awards had its share of surprises, chief among them was the absence of Will Smith presenting the Best Actress award. Smith, a two-time Academy Award-nominee and acclaimed actor, was absent due to his work commitments on the film ‘Gemini Man’. His absence left a void in the ceremony and fans were curious to know who would take his place to honor the Best Actress of the year. Luckily, a worthy replacement was found in the form of one of Hollywood’s most successful stars – Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks: The Perfect Choice for Best Actress Award Presenter
Tom Hanks is one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood today, having won two Best Actor Oscars and starring in some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. He has been honored by the Academy for his work numerous times, so it was only fitting that Tom was chosen to replace Will Smith in presenting the Best Actress Oscar. Tom Hanks has been a champion for strong female-led films throughout his career and has been vocal about the need for more diversity in Hollywood. Thus, it was only natural that Tom would be the one to take over and honor the Best Actress award at the 2020 Academy Awards.
Hanks’ Tribute to the Nominees
When Tom Hanks took the stage at the 2020 Academy Awards, he began his speech by reflecting on how fortunate he was to be standing there, before going on to praise the actresses presented in the Best Actress category. He spoke at length about how each of the women had left an indelible mark through their performances and thanked the Academy for recognizing their work. His words were met with popcorn poppin’ approval from the audience and signaled his deep appreciation for the nominees and their incredible performances.
The Winner: Renée Zellweger and Hanks’ Special Tribute
Tom Hanks was joined by Renée Zellweger on stage at the award ceremony, to present her with a special tribute in recognition of her award-winning performance. He went on to praise Zellweger for her remarkable body of work over the years and her incredible performance in the film “Judy”. He then invited Zellweger to share a few words about what winning the award meant to her, to which she responded, ‘What an incredible honor’. Hanks and Zellweger shared an emotional embrace which further cements Tom’s place in Hollywood as the perfect replacement for Will Smith as the presenter of the Best Actress award.
Tom Hanks’ Achievements as an Actor and Humanitarian
Tom Hanks’ impressive career spans over four decades and has seen him star in some of the most iconic and beloved films like Forrest Gump, Sleepless in Seattle, Apollo 13, and Saving Private Ryan, just to name a few. He has won awards in the past for his work and has been a vocal advocate for female empowerment in Hollywood. Not only is Tom an incredible actor and humanitarian, but he radiates a message of kindness and understanding wherever he goes, which makes him the perfect presenter for the Academy Awards.
The Bottom Line
The 2020 Academy Awards were certainly filled with surprises, but thankfully, Tom Hanks was chosen as the presenter of the Best Actress Award instead of Will Smith. Hanks was the perfect choice as he is a celebrated actor and champion of women in Hollywood. His heartfelt tribute to the nominees, and especially the winner, Renée Zellweger, were met with cheers and joy from the audience. All in all, it is clear that Will Smith had big shoes to fill, but Tom Hanks more than lived up to the challenge and did a fantastic job honoring the nominees.