The Critics Choice Awards is an annual awards show, presented by the American-Canadian Critics Choice Association to honor those with a cinematic achievement.
However, not just movie stars can attend the awards. All kinds of celebrities, including famous athletes such as Venus and Serena Williams, are invited.
Venus Williams and sister Serena Williams stepped out for the event as presenters at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards on March 13, 2022, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles (Credit: PAPIXS / INSTARimages)
This year, Venus and Serena Williams’ attendance was especially important given that they were being honored for the film released in 2021 dedicated to their father’s life, titled King Richard.
Venus and Serena Williams were also the executive producers of the film.
Who are Venus and Serena Williams?
Venus and Serena Williams are two ultra-successful American athletes. Both sisters are acclaimed tennis players.
Venus Williams made her professional tennis debut in 1994, while Serena made hers a year later in 1995. They have now both dominated the sports world and pop culture for over 20 years.
Serena Williams and Venus Williams attend the 2021 AFI Fest – Closing Night Premiere of Warner Bros. “King Richard” at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2021, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Between them, they have 48 Grand Slam titles (including 14 shared women’s doubles titles), several fashion lines, a venture-capital firm, and an interior design company.
Today, Venus is 41 and Serena is 40, and neither has retired, which goes to show their incredible physical and mental strength.
Serena and Venus Williams taking a break in their doubles match against Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock)
They have faced adversity for being two black women from Compton, California, and have faced discrimination for both their race and gender.
However, Venus and Serena have shown incredible strength throughout their entire careers and have risen above all critics.
What did the Williams Sisters Wear at the Critics Choice Awards?
Venus wore a silver Atelier Versace gown with a plunging V-neckline and two thigh-high center splits. She accessorized with charming chandelier earrings, diamond bracelets, and a small sparkly clutch.
Venus Williams flaunts her boobs in a silver Atelier Versace dress with a plunging neckline (Credit: PAPIXS / INSTARimages)
On her feet, she wore classy open-toe, silver, python-patterned pumps by Sophia Webster, complete with an ankle strap to hold her feet in place all night.
American attorney Isha Price posing with her half-sisters Serena and Venus Williams (Credit: PAPIXS / INSTARimages)
Serena matched her older sister perfectly in a silver sequined gown from the same luxury clothing brand.
The gown had a long train that hugged her curves and covered her feet completely. Because her dress was so outstanding, she kept her hair and accessories to a minimum.
Jane Campion’s Speech
At the Critics Choice Awards, Jane Campion made a very controversial speech as she accepted her trophy for Best Director.
During the show, Campion expressed her love to “the guys” in the male-dominated back-end of Hollywood (screenwriting, producing, directing, etc.).
However, she then claimed that Venus and Serena Williams do not have to go up against “the guys” like she does.
Jane Campion apologized to Venus and Serena Williams after her comments sparked backlash at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)
She has since apologized for comparing her experience as a filmmaker to the sexism that Venus and Serena Williams have faced in the world of sports, stating that she did not mean to devalue them or their achievements.
“I did not intend to devalue these two legendary black women and world-class athletes,” the New Zealand director said.
“The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world. The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women. I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring. Serena and Venus, I apologize and completely celebrate you.”
Will Smith’s Speech
Will Smith, on the other hand, made a very heartfelt and heartwarming speech that paid tribute to both the Williams sisters and their father.
He gave his speech while accepting the trophy for Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in the film King Richard.
Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who wore a gold strapless dress and a diamond headpiece by Jacquie Aiche, at the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza on Sunday, March 13, 2022 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
He called Venus, Serena, and their father (who has served as the sisters’ coach for many years) inspirations to everyone in the room (at the awards show), in the country, and around the world.
Demi Singleton, Serena Williams in a crystal-embellished David Koma bodysuit, Venus Williams in a Bach Mai silver metallic dress, and Saniyya Sidney attend the 2021 AFI Fest Closing Night Premiere of Warner Bros. “King Richard” at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 14, 2021, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
He also thanked Brandi Williams, Venus, and Serena’s mother. Will stated that the movie represented the power of faith, family, unity, and discipline.
Venus Williams is already impressive enough when she plays tennis in, well, tennis shoes. But playing tennis in heels? We’re doubly impressed.
Venus Williams attends the Wii Tennis Tournament at Lotte New York Palace in New York City on August 26, 2016 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Okay, so the match played in August 2016 was a virtual one, so Venus didn’t have to do any actual running.
But, it was still quite interesting to see a Wimbledon champion in heels while hitting non-existent tennis balls.
Venus Williams trades in her activewear for a romper and heels (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Venus took on a virtual tennis match against her sister Serena in an event-ready outfit.
Venus Williams switched out her rubber shoes and showed off her feet in dainty metallic-and-nude sandals (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
The tennis champion traded in her activewear for a long-sleeved printed romper. She styled the piece with hoop earrings, a gold pendant necklace, and showed off her feet in silver-and-nude sandals.
Venus poses with Wimbledon veterans Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Venus appeared to have lost the virtual tennis match to her sister Serena, who was wearing flats for the event. We can’t say for certain if the metallic heels did Venus in, but we did enjoy seeing the two compete at a leisurely pace.
Fellow Wimbledon veteran Rafael Nadal was also spotted at the event. You can check out a similar pair of BCBGMAXAZRIA sandals on Amazon and Nordstrom.
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