Rapper-turned-Oscar nominee Will Smith was honored with a master of his craft award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Smith is nominated for a best-actor Oscar for his performance in The Pursuit of Happyness as a struggling single father in San Francisco who beats the odds and goes from rags to riches.

Asked what it takes to be a good father, Smith said patience, compassion and commitment. He's the father of three in real life, including 7-year-old Jaden, who co-stars in the movie.

"You've got to really want to be a good father," he told reporters on the red carpet outside the Arlington Theatre on Saturday night.

Tom Cruise presented the festival's Modern Master Award to Smith. Cruise, Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith then posed for pictures.

Smith said he was pleased with the film's success.

"People are enjoying the film and it's reached a level of critical acclaim; it can't get any better than this," he said. "This is such a glorious time, it feels almost like emotional, spiritual greed."

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