Will Smith Talks Growth As An Actor At The Miami Premiere Of His Latest Movie, "Seven Pounds"

November 18, 2008 8:32 a.m. EST

Miami, FL (CNS) -- Hollywood star Will Smith thrilled fans by posing with them for pictures and signing autographs at the Miami premiere of his latest movie, "Seven Pounds."

The new drama, opening in theaters on December 19th, re-teams Smith with "The Pursuit of Happyness" director Gabriele Muccino and his "Men in Black II" co-star Rosario Dawson.

After an Oscar-nominated performance in "The Pursuit of Happyness" and more emotionally-charged roles than his usual blockbuster fare in "Hancock" and "I Am Legend", the forty-year-old actor/producer is now starring in his most dramatic turn yet.

"I'm just trying to grow as an actor," Smith tells CNS. "I think that the next ten years of my career are going to be the real sweet spot. I think I found real focus, I think I have more command of my tool. I have something to say. I think that's very important for art, to actually have a point, to actually have something to say."

Smith had something to say about his new perspective on life after twenty years in the entertainment business. "I've come to a place in my life where I'm very excited about the possibilities of being able to give back, to do work, to meet people," Smith said. "It's really a great time to be an American. I don't want to do anything in my life that doesn't make anyone's life better."

The Miami "Seven Pounds" premiere allowed Smith fans to join the film star along the red carpet for pictures and autographs if they brought in cans of foods for families in need. Smith also donated 300 turkeys to be given to those disadvantaged families for Thanksgiving, benefiting the Florida Marlins Community Foundation charity. "When I wake up in the morning, I'm looking to do everything that I can do with the work that I put out, the movies that we make, just every second of the day to be able to make someone's life better," he said.

In 1998, Smith released his hit single "Miami", which became synonymous with the South Florida city. Ten years later, he is still singing its praises. "This is my town. I think cities have emotional patterns. I think you find the city that matches your emotional pattern, your ups and downs, and everything makes you feel stronger, you work harder, you sleep better, your skin feels good," he said.

Smith then got into the multi-cultural spirit of Miami with a surprisingly well-spoken Spanish message to his Latin fans: "Espero que le gusta la pelicula. Es interesante, muy emocional, uh... it's very good, I hope you like it!"