The Pursuit of Happyness 2006

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. Smith's son Jaden Smith co-stars, making his film debut as Gardner's son, Christopher Jr. The screenplay by Steven Conrad is based on the best-selling 2006 memoir of the same name written by Gardner with Quincy Troupe. It is based on Gardner's nearly one-year struggle being homeless. The intentional misspelling of the film's title comes from a mural that Gardner sees on the wall outside the daycare facility his son attended. The film was released on December 15, 2006, by Sony Pictures Releasing, and received positive reviews, with Smith's performance and the emotional weight of the story garnering acclaim. The film went on to gross $307.1 million against a $55 million budget. Smith was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor.