Venus and Serena Williams absolutely dazzled on the red carpet at the Critics Choice awards on Sunday night where they were out to support the film King Richard which is all about their father.
The tennis icons looked like goddesses dressed in shimmering silver gowns designed by Versace as they walked the red carpet at the glitzy event – which was broadcast live from both Los Angeles and London.
The sport stars attended the event at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday night and cheered on as Will Smith won Best Actor for his portrayal of their 80-year-old dad, Richard Williams, who spurred them on to their tennis goals.
The sister’s looked elegant on the red carpet with 41-year-old Venus wearing a cleavage baring dress, while 40-year-old Serena wore a strappy, sleeveless number with a dramatic train.
King Richard was up for six gongs on the night – including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay – but Will was the only nominee from the film to walk away successful.
Accepting his Best Actor gong, the 53-year-old gushed: "Thank you for entrusting me with your story.
"What you were able to do and what your family was able to do inspired everyone in this room, everyone in this country, everyone around the world.
"You represent the best of what we all hope this country can be.”
He also took time to praise Venus and Serena’s mother, 69-year-old Oracene ‘Brandi’ Price, saying: "for a lot of years took a really quiet role, and I love that we were able to show what your mother did."
He added: "Your father didn't do it alone, so it would be disingenuous for me to accept this role without acknowledging Aunjanue Ellis [who played Brandi in the film].”
Controversy rocked the Critics Choice Awards, however, when The Power of the Dog director Jane Campion took an ill-advised swipe at the Williams sisters.
Accepting her Best Director gong, the 67-year-old director seized the moment to bizarrely undermine Venus and Serena’s achievements.
She whined: “It’s absolutely stunning tonight to be here among so many incredible women. What an honour to be in the room with you.
“I’d also just like to give my love out to my fellow — the guys. And Serena and Venus, you are such marvels. However, you do not play against the guys like I have to.”
Cameras caught the Williams sisters – who have defeated many a male tennis player in mixed doubles on the courts over the years – applauding Jane’s comment.
However, viewers slammed the director – with one tweeting: “How terribly inappropriate and unnecessary. Why must you compare Jane Campion? And, have you ever had to contend with racism and having to work harder and smarter than everyone else because of it? No. You have not.”
And another tweeted: “Sad that #janecampion had to go full Karen and undermine two women of colour who broke numerous glass ceilings to make a point about sexism in the film industry.”
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