‘I’m Just Gonna Say It’: Regina King Explains Why Winning An Oscar Felt Like Smoking Weed For The First Time

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Experiencing something new for the first time carries a unique charm, doesn’t it? Many people might find their most cherished films in the lineup of 2025 movie releases, but only a tiny fraction will ever understand what it feels like to receive an Academy Award. Yet, Oscar-winning actress Regina King has likened this sensation to something that many more individuals may have experienced – trying marijuana for the first time.

What Did Regina King Say About Winning An Oscar Feeling Like Smoking Weed?

Known for remarkable performances in films such as Boyz n the Hood, Jerry Maguire, Friday, Ray, Miss Congeniality 2, and others, Regina King gained a unique distinction with her role in the 2018 film If Beale Street Could Talk – becoming one of the rare Black actors to win an Oscar. A former child actor, who began acting around age 9 and found early fame on the popular sitcom 227, might now share this exclusive experience with a select few, but she’s done a commendable job making it more accessible for others to comprehend.

During an interview on Kelly Ripa’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast, the director of “One Night in Miami” shared her thoughts about winning her Academy Award. She reminisced about her mother being seated beside her, both taking a deep breath as her name was announced. The director then vividly described the “unreal” sensation she felt, which I’ll let Regina King herself express:

Let me be clear about this experience. If anyone has tried marijuana at least once, their initial encounter with it often feels as though they are viewing the world through a magnifying glass or crystal ball. The sensations are heightened and intense during that first instance.

I haven’t tried smoking weed, but I can imagine that hearing your name announced as an Oscar winner on live television might be quite peculiar. Even though everyone in her category had been working for years prior to their nomination, it’s unlikely that any of them pursued the role with the intention of winning an Oscar. The socially-conscious star of ‘Watchmen’, who also has four Primetime Emmys under her belt, expressed this sentiment.

As a lifelong cinephile, I must confess that this moment feels like something straight out of a fantasy – a dream I’ve nurtured since my childhood days, or at least since the early stages of my career. To experience this dream materialize is nothing short of astounding, yet it carries an oddity that makes it feel unreal, as if I’m watching someone else’s life unfold on the silver screen. King further elaborated:

As someone who still enjoys the occasional toke of cannabis, it’s clear that we’re always seeking that initial, unforgettable high. Occasionally, we come across a fresh strain and think, “Wow, this feels similar to my very first experience.” Yet, no matter how good it is, it never quite matches the magic of that initial encounter.

The actress similarly shared her experience of heightened senses in that moment, describing it as if she could feel every hair on her arms bristle, an extraordinary sensation to endure. Fortunately, she mentioned that she has a clear recollection of the events that night and expressed hope for another opportunity to relive such an event.

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2025-09-09 20:25