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Variety Awards honor Will Smith, 10 Directors to Watch

“I learned a lot from Will Smith.” Dr. Bennet Omalu said. Will Smith plays Dr. Omalu in the film, Concussion. Dr. Omalu was the first to publish research on former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster – finding signs of a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head.

“He is somebody I’d want everyone to meet,” Dr. Omalu said of Will Smith.

We had our chance to meet him at the Variety Awards luncheon at the Parker Hotel. First in order, hearing about Will’s desert connection. He used to have a home here.

“Over there by the golf course,” he joked, not remembering the name of the street.

The conversation turned to the reason he’s here – Dr. Omalu is presenting him with the Creative Impact in Acting Award for his role in Concussion, shining light on the dangers of football.

“Once I sat with him for 10 minutes I knew (I wanted to play the part),” Smith said.

Also getting honored at the event – director Charlie Kaufmann. Jack Black presented him the Creative Impact in Directing Award. Also, Variety named 10 directors to watch. We spoke with two of them in the attached video. The day about a love for film.

“What I learned from him (Will Smith) I’ll remember the rest of my life when one minute of fame is over,” Dr. Omalu said.

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