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{{Short description|American actor and rapper (born 1968)}}
{{Other uses}}
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{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
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{{Infobox person
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| image = TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2019 - Day 1 (48834070763) (cropped).jpg
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| birth_name = Willard Carroll Smith II<!--Nbsp needed for mobile devices-->
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| spouse = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Sheree Zampino|May 9, 1992|1995|end=divorced}}|
{{marriage|[[Jada Pinkett Smith|Jada Pinkett]]<br />|December 31, 1997|2016|end={{abbr|sep.|separated}}}}
}}
| years_active = 1985–present<ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Huey|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dj-jazzy-jeff-the-fresh-prince-mn0000948022/biography|title=DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=September 26, 2019|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616141006/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dj-jazzy-jeff-the-fresh-prince-mn0000948022/biography|url-status=live}}</ref>
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|rapper|film producer}}
| works = {{hlist|[[Will Smith filmography|Filmography]]|[[Will Smith discography|discography]]}}
| children = 3, including [[Jaden Smith|Jaden]] and [[Willow Smith|Willow]]
| awards = [[List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith|Full list]]
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer <!-- mandatory field -->
| genre = [[Pop rap]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://andscape.com/features/will-smith-a-pioneering-black-nerd-helped-raise-and-change-rap-music/amp/ |title=Will Smith, a pioneering black nerd, helped raise and change rap music |work=[[Andscape]] |last=Britt |first=Bruce |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113141824/https://theundefeated.com/features/will-smith-a-pioneering-black-nerd-helped-raise-and-change-rap-music/amp/ }}</ref>
| label = {{flat list|
* [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
* [[RCA Records|RCA]]
* [[Jive Records|Jive]]
}}
| past_member_of = [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince]]
| website = {{official URL}}
}}
| signature = Will Smith's signature.svg
}}
'''Willard Carroll <!--- Willard Caroll is correct, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LotoBix4UDM ---> Smith II'''<ref name=junior>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Will |title=Will Smith: 'I watched my father punch my mother so hard she collapsed' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/article/will-smith-memoir-father-violence-vdw53k6bh |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=The Times |date=November 13, 2021 |quote=My full name is Willard Carroll Smith II — not Junior. |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114173152/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/will-smith-memoir-father-violence-vdw53k6bh |url-status=live }}</ref> (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor, rapper, and film producer. He has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith|multiple accolades]], including an [[Academy Award]], a [[Golden Globe Award]], a [[British Academy Film Award|BAFTA Award]], and four [[Grammy Awards]]. As of {{CURRENTYEAR}}, his films have grossed over $9.5 billion globally,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=willsmith.htm|title=Will Smith Movie Box Office Results|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205105018/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=willsmith.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> making him one of Hollywood's most [[bankable stars]].<ref name="Ide 2021">{{cite web | last=Ide | first=Wendy | title=Will Smith: now Hollywood royalty, the star's rise has been far from painless | website=The Guardian | date=November 13, 2021 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/nov/13/will-smith-now-hollywood-royalty-the-stars-rise-has-been-far-from-painless | access-date=March 28, 2022 | archive-date=March 26, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326191845/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/nov/13/will-smith-now-hollywood-royalty-the-stars-rise-has-been-far-from-painless | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nast 2016">{{cite magazine | last=Miller | first=Julie | title=Why Will Smith Regrets Wanting to Be the World's "Biggest Movie Star" | magazine=Vanity Fair | date=June 22, 2016 | url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/06/will-smith-movie-star-regret | access-date=March 28, 2022 | archive-date=February 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225020752/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/06/will-smith-movie-star-regret | url-status=live }}</ref>
Smith first gained recognition as part of [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince|a hip hop duo]] with [[DJ Jazzy Jeff]], with whom he released five studio albums which contained five [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]-top 20 singles—"[[Parents Just Don't Understand]]", "[[A Nightmare on My Street]]", "[[Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince song)|Summertime]]", "[[Ring My Bell (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince song)|Ring My Bell]]", and "[[Boom! Shake the Room]]"—from 1985 to 1994. He released the solo albums ''[[Big Willie Style]]'' (1997), ''[[Willennium]]'' (1999), ''[[Born to Reign]]'' (2002), and ''[[Lost and Found (Will Smith album)|Lost and Found]]'' (2005), which spawned the U.S. number-one singles "[[Gettin' Jiggy wit It]]" and "[[Wild Wild West (Will Smith song)|Wild Wild West]]". He has won four [[Grammy Awards]] for his recording career.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.grammy.com/artists/will-smith/7175|title= Artists Will Smith|website= [[Grammy Awards|Grammy.com]]|access-date= June 23, 2022|archive-date= June 24, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220624014836/https://www.grammy.com/artists/will-smith/7175|url-status= live}}</ref>
Smith began his [[Will Smith filmography|acting career]] starring as [[Will Smith (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)|a fictionalized version of himself]] on the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'' (1990–1996), for which he was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy|Golden Globe]] in [[50th Golden Globe Awards|1993]] and [[51st Golden Globe Awards|1994]]. He achieved wider fame as a [[leading man]] with the film franchises ''[[Bad Boys (franchise)|Bad Boys]]'' (1995–2024) and ''[[Men in Black (film series)|Men in Black]]'' (1997–2012), where he respectively portrayed Mike Lowrey and [[Agent J]]. After starring in the thrillers ''[[Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'' (1996) and ''[[Enemy of the State (film)|Enemy of the State]]'' (1998), he received [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] nominations for his portrayals of [[Muhammad Ali]] in ''[[Ali (film)|Ali]]'' (2001) and [[Chris Gardner]] in ''[[The Pursuit of Happyness]]'' (2006). He also starred in commercially successful films such as ''[[I, Robot (film)|I, Robot]]'' (2004), ''[[Shark Tale]]'' (2004), ''[[Hitch (film)|Hitch]]'' (2005), ''[[I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend]]'' (2007), ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]'' (2008), ''[[Seven Pounds]]'' (2008), ''[[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|Suicide Squad]]'' (2016), and ''[[Aladdin (2019 film)|Aladdin]]'' (2019).<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/180170%7C0/Will-Smith#overview|title= Will Smith – Turner Classic Movies|website= [[Turner Classic Movies|TCM]]|access-date= August 18, 2022|archive-date= December 2, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201202165141/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/180170%7C0/Will-Smith#overview|url-status= live}}</ref>
For his portrayal of [[Richard Williams (tennis coach)|Richard Williams]] in the biographical sports drama ''[[King Richard (film)|King Richard]]'' (2021), Smith won the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |title=30 Milestones in Hip-Hop Awards History: Will Smith, Lauryn Hill & More |magazine=Billboard |date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 30, 2022 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/hip-hop-awards-milestones-1235042728/ |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329065359/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/hip-hop-awards-milestones-1235042728/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[94th Academy Awards|2022 ceremony]], shortly before winning, Smith [[Chris Rock–Will Smith slapping incident|slapped and shouted at]] presenter [[Chris Rock]] after Rock made an unscripted joke referencing Smith's wife, [[Jada Pinkett Smith]].<ref name="independent.co.uk">{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Will Smith: Chris Rock's Oscar Joke about Jada Pinkett Smith not scripted, insider says |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/will-smith-chris-rock-jada-joke-ad-lib-b2046134.html?amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329073004/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/will-smith-chris-rock-jada-joke-ad-lib-b2046134.html?amp |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2022 |website=independent.co.uk |language=en-US}}</ref> The event earned substantial media coverage and criticism, with Smith ultimately resigning from [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|the Academy]] along with being banned from attending all their events for ten years.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.npr.org/2022/04/08/1091681181/the-academy-bans-will-smith-for-10-years-for-chris-rock-slap|title= The Academy bans Will Smith for 10 years for Chris Rock slap|website= [[NPR]]|access-date= May 28, 2022|archive-date= May 28, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220528171952/https://www.npr.org/2022/04/08/1091681181/the-academy-bans-will-smith-for-10-years-for-chris-rock-slap|url-status= live}}</ref>
==Early life==
Willard Carroll Smith II was born on September 25, 1968, in [[Philadelphia]], to Caroline (née Bright), a school board administrator, and Willard Carroll Smith Sr.,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terryfuneralhome.com/obituary/Willard-C.-Smith-Sr./Philadelphia-PA/1669675|title=Willard C. Smith, Sr.|publisher=Terry Funeral Home|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-date=March 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322210012/http://www.terryfuneralhome.com/obituary/Willard-C.-Smith-Sr./Philadelphia-PA/1669675|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/smith-father-willard-carroll-smith-sr-dies-article-1.2864074|title=Will Smith's father Willard Carroll Smith Sr. dies|website=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|___location=New York|access-date=December 30, 2016|archive-date=December 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215184305/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/smith-father-willard-carroll-smith-sr-dies-article-1.2864074|url-status=dead}}</ref> a [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] veteran<ref>{{cite web|title=Will Smith Loses His Father, Ex-Wife Pays Tribute|url=https://www.vibe.com/2016/11/will-smith-loses-his-father-sheree-fletcher-pays-tribute/|website=Vibe|access-date=April 23, 2018|date=November 8, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424071403/https://www.vibe.com/2016/11/will-smith-loses-his-father-sheree-fletcher-pays-tribute/|url-status=live}}</ref> and refrigeration engineer. His mother graduated from [[Carnegie Mellon University]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://in.askmen.com/article/1098555/will-smiths-best-acting-moment |title=Will Smith's Best Acting Moment |date=September 25, 2014 |access-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111034957/https://in.askmen.com/article/1098555/will-smiths-best-acting-moment |url-status=live }}</ref>
He grew up in West Philadelphia's [[Wynnefield, Philadelphia|Wynnefield]] neighborhood<ref name="Schuman"/> and was raised [[Baptist]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Strauss|first=Bob|url=https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/5377381.html|title=Will Smith on power, dogs and Cruise|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 14, 2007|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-date=December 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219131727/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/5377381.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He has an elder sister named Pamela and two younger siblings, twins Harry and Ellen.<ref name="Schuman">{{cite book |last=Schuman |first=Michael |date=January 1, 2013 |title=Will Smith: A Biography of a Rapper Turned Movie Star |publisher=Enslow Publishers, Inc. |pages=9–10 |isbn=9780766039940}}</ref> He attended Our Lady of Lourdes, a private Catholic elementary school in Philadelphia,<ref name="Iannucci">{{cite book |last=Iannucci |first=Lisa |date=2010 |title=Will Smith: A Biography |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |pages=4–10 |isbn=9780313376108}}</ref> and [[Overbrook High School (Philadelphia)|Overbrook High School]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Will Smith, 1986 |url=https://www.blackhistory.mit.edu/archive/will-smith-1986 |publisher=MIT Black History |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121082950/https://www.blackhistory.mit.edu/archive/will-smith-1986 |url-status=live }}</ref> His parents separated when he was 13<ref name="Keegan">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1689234,00.html |title=The Legend of Will Smith |last=Keegan |first=Rebecca Winters |date=November 29, 2007 |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201152117/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1689234,00.html |archive-date=December 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |url-access=registration }}</ref> and divorced around the year 2000.<ref name="itas">{{cite episode|title=Will Smith|series=Inside the Actors Studio|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdaiFOFfeTQ| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102160938/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdaiFOFfeTQ| archive-date=January 2, 2016 | url-status=dead|credits=James Lipton (producer)|network=Bravo|season=8|number=806|airdate=January 13, 2002|access-date=August 24, 2015}}</ref>
Smith began rapping at age 12. When his grandmother found a notebook of his lyrics, which he described as containing "all [his] little curse words", she wrote him a note on a page in the book: "Dear Willard, truly intelligent people do not have to use words like this to express themselves. Please show the world that you're as smart as we think you are". Smith said that this influenced his decision not to use profanity in his music.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Rowley |first1=Glenn |title=Here's How Will Smith's Grandmother Influenced His '90s Rap Lyrics |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/will-smith-credits-grandmother-influence-clean-rap-lyrics-8548111/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |date=January 15, 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/will-smith-credits-grandmother-influence-clean-rap-lyrics-8548111/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Career==
{{further|Will Smith filmography|Will Smith discography|List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith}}
===1985–1992: DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince===
[[File:Will Smith - Emmy Awards 1993.jpg|thumb|Smith at the Emmy Awards 1993]]
Smith started as the [[MC#Hip hop|MC]] of the hip-hop duo [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince|DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince]], with his childhood friend [[DJ Jazzy Jeff|Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes]] as [[turntablist]] and producer.<ref name=tca>Stated on ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]'', 2002</ref> Townes and Smith were introduced to each other by chance in 1985, as Townes was performing at a house party only a few doors down from Smith's residence, and he was missing his [[hype man]]. Smith decided to fill in. They both felt strong chemistry, and Townes was upset when his hype man finally made it to the party.<ref>{{cite web|title=DJ Jazz Jeff Interview Made From Scratch |publisher=DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince Fan Site |url=http://www.jazzyjefffreshprince.com/interviews/dj-jazzy-jeff/jazzy-jeff-made-from-scratch.htm |access-date=May 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516163814/http://www.jazzyjefffreshprince.com/interviews/dj-jazzy-jeff/jazzy-jeff-made-from-scratch.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2008 }}</ref>
Soon after, the two decided to collaborate. Smith enlisted a friend, [[Ready Rock C]], to join as the beatboxer of the group, making them a trio. Philadelphia-based Word Records released their first single in 1986 when [[A&R]] man [[Paul Oakenfold]] introduced them to Champion Records with their single "[[Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble]]", a tale of funny misadventures that landed Smith and his former DJ and rap partner Mark Forrest (Lord Supreme) in trouble.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PAUL OAKENFOLD BIOGRAPHY |url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Paul-Oakenfold-Biography/887820CD0D81734B48256C3200095A8C |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429072412/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Paul-Oakenfold-Biography/887820CD0D81734B48256C3200095A8C |archive-date=April 29, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.aol.com/ProfQuater/Jazzy.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201090331/http://members.aol.com/ProfQuater/Jazzy.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 1, 2007|title=D.J. Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince|date=December 1, 2007|access-date=May 28, 2019}}</ref> The song sampled the theme song of "[[I Dream of Jeannie]]". Smith became known for light-hearted story-telling raps and capable, though profanity-free, "battle" rhymes. The single became a hit a month before Smith graduated from high school.<ref name=sickening>{{cite news |title = Will Smith: My Work Ethic Is "Sickening" |publisher = CBS |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/will-smith-my-work-ethic-is-sickening/ |access-date = May 14, 2008 |date = November 30, 2007 |archive-date = May 27, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080527085124/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/30/60minutes/main3558937_page2.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref>
Based on this success, the duo were brought to the attention of [[Jive Records]] and [[Russell Simmons]]. The duo's first album, ''[[Rock the House (album)|Rock the House]]'', which was first released on Word Up in 1986 debuted on Jive in March 1987. The group received the first [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance]] in 1989 for "[[Parents Just Don't Understand]]" (1988), though their most successful single was "[[Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince song)|Summertime]]" (1991), which earned the group their second Grammy and peaked at number 4 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Smith and Townes are still friends and claim that they never split up, having made songs under Smith's solo performer credit.<ref>{{cite web|title=DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince to reunite? |publisher=URLFan |url=http://www.urlfan.com/local/dj_jazzy_jeff_and_the_fresh_prince_to_reunite/76504345.html |access-date=May 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080707061753/http://www.urlfan.com/local/dj_jazzy_jeff_and_the_fresh_prince_to_reunite/76504345.html |archive-date=July 7, 2008 }}</ref>
Smith spent money freely around 1988 and 1989 and underpaid his income taxes.<ref name=tca/> The [[Internal Revenue Service]] eventually assessed a $2.8 million tax debt against Smith, took many of his possessions, and [[garnishment|garnished]] his income.<ref>{{cite interview|first=Will|last=Smith|interviewer=[[Steve Kroft]]|title=60 Minutes|publisher=CBS|date=December 2, 2007}}</ref> Smith was struggling financially in 1990 when the [[NBC]] television network signed him to a contract and built a sitcom, ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'', around him.<ref name=tca/> The show was successful and began his acting career. Smith set for himself the goal of becoming "the biggest movie star in the world", studying [[List of highest-grossing films|box office successes]]' common characteristics.<ref name="Keegan" /> In 1989, Smith was arrested in relation to an alleged assault on his record promoter, William Hendricks; the charges were later dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2014/08/27/7-celebrities-never-knew-criminal-records/|title=7 Celebrities You Never Knew Had Criminal Records|first=Megan|last=Reed|date=August 27, 2014|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411231631/https://atlantablackstar.com/2014/08/27/7-celebrities-never-knew-criminal-records/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===1993–1997: Solo music and film breakthrough===
Smith's first major roles were in the drama ''[[Six Degrees of Separation (film)|Six Degrees of Separation]]'' (1993) and the action film ''[[Bad Boys (1995 film)|Bad Boys]]'' (1995) in which he starred opposite [[Martin Lawrence]]. The latter film was commercially successful, grossing $141.4 million worldwide.<ref name="Bad Boys Mojo">{{cite web |title = Bad Boys (1995) |url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=badboys.htm |work = [[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher = [[IMDb]] |access-date = August 12, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100730100826/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=badboys.htm| archive-date=July 30, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref> However, critical reception was generally mixed.<ref>{{cite web |title = Bad Boys (1995) |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1062483-bad_boys/ |work = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] |date = April 7, 1995 |publisher = [[Flixster]] |access-date = August 12, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100731014227/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1062483-bad_boys/#trailers| archive-date=July 31, 2010 | url-status=live}}</ref> In 1996, Smith starred as part of an ensemble cast in [[Roland Emmerich]]'s ''[[Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]''. The film was a massive blockbuster, becoming the second highest-grossing film in history at the time and establishing Smith as a prime box office draw.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=independenceday.htm |title=Independence Day |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=July 24, 2011 |archive-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923135752/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=independenceday.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the summer of 1997, he starred alongside [[Tommy Lee Jones]] in the hit ''[[Men in Black (1997 film)|Men in Black]]'', playing [[Agent J]]. The film was released on July 2 by [[Columbia Pictures]] and grossed over $589.3 million worldwide against a $90 million budget, becoming the year's third highest-grossing film, with an estimated 54,616,700 tickets sold in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=meninblack.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|title=Men in Black|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=May 30, 2016|date=May 30, 2016|archive-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804115921/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=meninblack.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> It received positive reviews, with critics praising its humor and Jones's and Smith's performances.
During the summer of 1997, Smith also began his solo music career with the release of "[[Men in Black (song)|Men in Black]]", the theme song for the film, which topped singles charts in several regions across the world, including the UK.<ref name="UK">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3466/will-smith/ |title=Will Smith Full Official Chart History |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331184829/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3466/will-smith/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Men in Black" (and second single "[[Just Cruisin']]{{thin space}}") was later included on Smith's debut solo album ''[[Big Willie Style]]'', which reached the top ten of the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and was certified nine times platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref name="US200">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/431377/will-smith/chart?f=305 |title=Billboard 200: Will Smith Chart History |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811202107/http://www.billboard.com/artist/431377/will-smith/chart?f=305 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Will+Smith#search_section |title=Gold & Platinum Artist Search "Will Smith" |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418063308/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Will+Smith#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref> The third single from the album, "[[Gettin' Jiggy wit It]]", became Smith's first [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] number one when it was released in 1998.<ref name="US100">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/431377/will-smith/chart?f=379 |title=The Hot 100: Will Smith Chart History |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811202132/http://www.billboard.com/artist/431377/will-smith/chart?f=379 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===1998–2007: Leading man status===
[[File:Will Smith (32335923807).jpg|thumb|upright|Smith in 1999]]
In 1998, Smith starred with [[Gene Hackman]] in ''[[Enemy of the State (film)|Enemy of the State]]''.<ref name=tca/> The following year, he turned down the role of [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] in ''[[The Matrix]]'' in favor of ''[[Wild Wild West]]'' (1999). Despite the disappointment of ''Wild Wild West'', Smith said that he has no regrets about his decision, asserting that [[Keanu Reeves]]'s performance as Neo was superior to what Smith himself would have achieved,<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/smith%20has%20no%20matrix%20regrets|title= Smith has no Matrix Regrets|magazine= Contactmusic.com|access-date= June 23, 2010|archive-date= April 23, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090423051404/http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/smith%20has%20no%20matrix%20regrets|url-status= live}}</ref> although in interviews subsequent to the release of ''Wild Wild West'', he said that he "made a mistake on ''Wild Wild West''. That could have been better".<ref>O'Toole, Lesley. "Will Smith: The Total Film Interview", ''Total Film'', February 2009, Issue 151, pp. 120–125, Future Publishing Ltd., London, England.</ref>
Smith's second album was again supported by the release of a film theme song as the lead single: "[[Wild Wild West (Will Smith song)|Wild Wild West]]", featuring [[Dru Hill]] and [[Kool Moe Dee]], topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="US100"/> The album, ''[[Willennium]]'', reached number five on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.<ref name="US200"/><ref name="RIAA"/> "[[Will 2K]]", the second single from the album, reached number 25 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="US100"/> Before the end of 1999, a video album was released featuring Smith's seven music videos released to date,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-will-smith-music-video-collection-mw0000255053 |title=The Will Smith Music Video Collection – Will Smith: Songs, Reviews, Credits |last=Phares |first=Heather |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118055724/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-will-smith-music-video-collection-mw0000255053 |url-status=live }}</ref> which reached number 25 on the [[UK Video Charts|UK Music Video Chart]].<ref name="UKvideo">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/music-video-chart/19991219/13/ |title=19 December 1999 – 25 December 1999 |work=Official Music Video Chart Top 50 Archive |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603211839/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/music-video-chart/19991219/13/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, he was also featured on ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'' co-star [[Tatyana Ali]]'s single "[[Boy You Knock Me Out]]", which reached number three on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and topped the [[UK R&B Singles and Albums Charts|UK R&B Singles Chart]].<ref name="UK"/><ref name="UKtatyana">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-singles-chart/19990207/114/ |title=07 February 1999 – 12 February 1999 |work=Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40 Archive |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523131920/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-singles-chart/19990207/114/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Smith portrayed heavyweight boxer [[Muhammad Ali]] in the 2001 biopic ''[[Ali (film)|Ali]]''. For his performance, he was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]], and the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama]].<ref name=GG>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenglobes.com/person/will-smith |title=Will Smith |publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]] |access-date=September 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220043654/http://www.goldenglobes.com/person/will-smith |archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2002 |title=The 74th Academy Awards |date=December 4, 2015 |publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |access-date=October 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001230532/http://oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2002 |archive-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> In 2002, following a four-year musical hiatus, Smith returned with his third album ''[[Born to Reign]]'', which reached number 13 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA.<ref name="US200"/><ref name="RIAA"/> The album's lead single was the theme song from Smith's film ''[[Men in Black II]]'', called "[[Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)]]", which reached number three on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UK"/> Later in the year, Smith's first compilation album ''[[Greatest Hits (Will Smith album)|Greatest Hits]]'' was released, featuring songs from his three solo albums and those produced with DJ Jazzy Jeff.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/greatest-hits-mw0000229942 |title=Greatest Hits – Will Smith: Songs, Reviews, Credits |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=April 10, 2016 |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414103833/http://www.allmusic.com/album/greatest-hits-mw0000229942 |url-status=live }}</ref>
2003 saw Smith return for ''[[Bad Boys II]]'', the sequel to the 1995 film ''Bad Boys''; the film follows detectives Burnett and Lowrey investigating the flow of [[MDMA|ecstasy]] into Miami. Despite receiving generally negative reviews, the film was a box-office success, grossing $270 million worldwide.<ref name="Bad Boys Mojo"/> In the following year, he starred in the science fiction film ''[[I, Robot (film)|I, Robot]]'' and the animated film ''[[Shark Tale]]''; both films were box office successes despite mixed reviews. Smith's latest album ''[[Lost and Found (Will Smith album)|Lost and Found]]'' was released in 2005, peaking at number six on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="US200"/> Lead single "[[Switch (Will Smith song)|Switch]]" reached the top ten of both the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UK"/><ref name="US100"/> In 2005, Smith was entered into the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'' for attending three premieres in a 24-hour time span.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a19424/will-smith-in-guinness-book-of-records.html|title=Will Smith in Guinness Book of Records|website=Digital Spy|date=February 23, 2005|first=Daniel|last=Saney|access-date=May 3, 2008|archive-date=May 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501222620/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a19424/will-smith-in-guinness-book-of-records.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith and his son [[Jaden Smith|Jaden]] played father and son in the 2006 biographical drama ''[[The Pursuit of Happyness]]''. In the film, Smith portrays [[Chris Gardner]]. Smith first became interested in making a film about Gardner after seeing him on ''[[20/20 (U.S. TV series)|20/20]]'' and connected with him during production. The film, along with Smith's performance, received praise.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/15/movies/15happ.html|title=Climbing Out of the Gutter With a 5-Year-Old in Tow|date=December 15, 2006|first=Manohla|last=Dargis|newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=September 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917124845/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/15/movies/15happ.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/pursuitofhappyness/|title=Pursuit of Happiness|first=Adam R.|last=Holz|publisher=Plugged In|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2015|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150713073014/http://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/pursuitofhappyness/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Will Smith 2011.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Smith hosting the 2011 Walmart Shareholders Meeting]]
On December 10, 2007, Smith was honored at [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] on [[Hollywood Boulevard]]. Smith left an imprint of his hands and feet outside the theater in front of many fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hhworlds.com/f11/12-11-07-will-smith-immortalized-grauman-s-chinese-theater-9841.html#post102972 |title=Will Smith Immortalized at Grauman's Chinese Theater |publisher=HHWorlds.com |access-date=June 23, 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117055805/http://www.hhworlds.com/f11/12-11-07-will-smith-immortalized-grauman-s-chinese-theater-9841.html#post102972 |archive-date=January 17, 2010 }}</ref> Later that month, Smith starred in the film ''[[I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend]]'', released on December 14, 2007. Alongside marginally positive reviews,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_am_legend/ |title=I Am Legend |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421052019/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_am_legend |url-status=live }}</ref> its opening was the largest ever for a film released in the United States during December. Smith himself has said that he considers the film to be "aggressively unique".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Smith: He is a legend |url=http://www.stv.tv/content/out/film/videointerviews/display.html?id=opencms:/out/films/video_interviews/will_smith_i_am_legend_interview| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010221635/http://www.stv.tv/content/out/film/videointerviews/display.html?id=opencms:/out/films/video_interviews/will_smith_i_am_legend_interview | archive-date=October 10, 2008 }}</ref> A reviewer said that the film's commercial success "cemented [Smith's] standing as the number one box office draw in Hollywood".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1697664 |title=Box Office Guru Wrapup: Will Smith Rescues Industry With Explosive Opening For I Am Legend |first=Gitesh |last=Pandya |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |date=December 16, 2007 |access-date=December 17, 2007 |archive-date=January 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118183544/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1697664/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 1, 2008, ''[[TV Guide]]'' reported that Smith was selected as one of America's top ten most fascinating people of 2008 for a [[Barbara Walters]] [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] special that aired on December 4, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbara Walters Gets Up Close with 2008's Most Fascinating People |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/Barbara-Walters-Special-1000398/ |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== 2008–2022: Career fluctuations and ''King Richard'' ===
In 2008, Smith was reported to be developing a film entitled ''The Last Pharaoh'', in which he would be starring as [[Taharqa]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Will Smith set to conquer Egypt? |publisher = Jam Showbiz |date = March 23, 2008 |url = http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/S/Smith_Will/2008/03/23/5078376-sun.html |access-date = March 23, 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120709073021/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/S/Smith_Will/2008/03/23/5078376-sun.html |archive-date = July 9, 2012 }}</ref> Smith later starred in the superhero film ''[[Hancock (film)|Hancock]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title = There May Never Be Another Movie Star As Big As Will Smith|url = https://www.vulture.com/2015/03/new-movie-star-will-be-as-big-as-will-smith.html|website = Vulture| date=March 4, 2015 |access-date = September 28, 2015|archive-date = September 27, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927211406/http://www.vulture.com/2015/03/new-movie-star-will-be-as-big-as-will-smith.html|url-status = live}}</ref> which grossed $227,946,274 in the United States and Canada and had a worldwide total of $624,386,746.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hancock.htm |title=Hancock (2008) |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Amazon.com |access-date=December 3, 2008 |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618010249/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hancock.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 19, 2011, it was announced that Smith returned to the studio with producer La Mar Edwards to work on his fifth studio album.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Will Smith making a new album? A producer says yes|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/19/will-smith-new-album/|first=Kyle|last=Anderson|date=August 19, 2011|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=August 20, 2011|archive-date=October 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007134507/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/08/19/will-smith-new-album/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Smith again reprised his role as Agent J with ''[[Men in Black 3]]'', which opened on May 25, 2012, his first major starring role in four years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/dec/19/men-in-black-3-will-smith|title=Men in Black 3 returns Will Smith to the big screen – but doesn't add up|first=Ben|last=Child|date=December 19, 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 10, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826014537/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/dec/19/men-in-black-3-will-smith|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/men-black-3-interviews-barry-sonnenfeld|title='Men in Black 3' Director Barry Sonnenfeld Talks Will Smith & Big Heads|publisher=screenrant.com|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162855/https://screenrant.com/men-black-3-interviews-barry-sonnenfeld/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the release of the film, Smith was content with ending his work with the franchise, saying, "I think three is enough for me. Three of anything is enough for me. We'll look at it and we'll consider it, but it feels like that it might be time to let someone else do that".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/will-smith-men-black-4-interview/|title=Will Smith is Not Sure About 'Men in Black 4'; Says '3 Is Enough For Me'|publisher=screenrant.com|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162728/https://screenrant.com/will-smith-men-black-4-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Men in Black 3'', released ten years after ''[[Men in Black II]]'' (2002), grossed over $624 million worldwide.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo">{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mib3.htm |title=MIB 3 (2012) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=August 24, 2012 |archive-date=August 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821181910/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=mib3.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Reviews>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/men_in_black_iii|title=Men in Black III (2012)|date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=May 28, 2019|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421001950/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/men_in_black_iii|url-status=live}}</ref> Unadjusted for inflation, it is the highest-grossing film in the series.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-men-black-mib3-will-smith-tommy-lee-jones-josh-brolin-sony-343957 | title=Box Office Report: 'Men in Black 3' Becomes Highest-Grossing Title in Franchise | magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | access-date=September 15, 2012 | archive-date=August 18, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818133623/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-report-men-black-mib3-will-smith-tommy-lee-jones-josh-brolin-sony-343957 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, Smith starred in ''[[After Earth]]'' with his son Jaden. The film was a disappointment at the domestic box office and was panned critically.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Beaumont-Thomas|first1=Ben|title=Will Smith: 'A thing got broken in my mind' following After Earth flop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/11/will-smith-after-earth-focus|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=October 17, 2017|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018072007/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/11/will-smith-after-earth-focus|url-status=live}}</ref> Calling the film "the most painful failure in my career", Smith ended up taking a year and a half break as a result.<ref name="Esquire">{{cite news|last1=Raab|first1=Scott|title=Will Smith on Kids, His Career, Ferguson, and Failure|url=http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a9938/will-smith-interview-0315/|website=Esquire|date=February 12, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111081435/http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a9938/will-smith-interview-0315/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Will_Smith_&_Margot_Robbie_(28522549541).jpg|thumb|Smith and [[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|''Suicide Squad'']] co-star [[Margot Robbie]] in 2016]]
Smith starred opposite [[Margot Robbie]] in the romance drama ''[[Focus (2015 film)|Focus]]'', released on February 27, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/man-from-uncle-movie-release-date-january-15-2015-guy-ritchie-686559/|title=UPDATE: Warner Bros Sets 2015 Release Dates For 'Run All Night', 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' And 'Focus'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=February 22, 2014|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126180018/http://deadline.com/2014/02/man-from-uncle-movie-release-date-january-15-2015-guy-ritchie-686559/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con artist who takes a young, attractive woman under his wing. Smith was set to star in the sci-fi thriller ''Brilliance'', an adaptation of [[Marcus Sakey]]'s novel of the same name scripted by ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' writer [[David Koepp]], but he left the project to work on the [[Ridley Scott]]-produced sports drama ''[[Concussion (2015 film)|Concussion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Smith-Talks-Star-Ridley-Scott-Produced-NFL-Concussion-Drama-43304.html|first=Gabe|last=Toro|title=Will Smith in Talks To Star in Ridley Scott-Produced NFL Concussion Drama|website=CinemaBlend|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217162726/https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Smith-Talks-Star-Ridley-Scott-Produced-NFL-Concussion-Drama-43304.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Will Smith Drops Out of 'Brilliance'|first=Laura|last=Frances|url=http://www.latino-review.com/news/will-smith-drops-out-of-brilliance|publisher=Latino Review|date=May 30, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602021626/http://www.latino-review.com/news/will-smith-drops-out-of-brilliance|archive-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>
In ''Concussion'', Smith played Dr. [[Bennet Omalu]] of the [[Brain Injury Research Institute]], the first to discover [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]. Smith reported he had doubts about the film early in the production, saying, "some of my happiest memories are of watching my son catch and throw a [[American football|football]]. I didn't want to be the guy who did a movie saying football could be dangerous". These views subsided when he met Omalu, whose words about American ideals resonated with Smith.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/features/creative-impact-award-will-smith-1201668762/|title=Why 'Concussion' Changed Will Smith's Life|date=December 29, 2015|first=Jenelle|last=Riley|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222165058/https://variety.com/2015/film/features/creative-impact-award-will-smith-1201668762/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith's performance was praised for being "sensitive [and] understated".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_29312021/concussion-movie-review-sensitive-will-smith-anchors-film |title="Concussion" movie review |website=The Denver Post |date=December 25, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127090227/http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_29312021/concussion-movie-review-sensitive-will-smith-anchors-film |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2016, Smith played [[Deadshot]] in the supervillain team-up action film ''[[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|Suicide Squad]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/suicide-squad-cast-revealed-jared-leto-to-play-the-joker-will-smith-is-deadshot-1201368867/|title='Suicide Squad' Cast Revealed: Jared Leto to Play the Joker, Will Smith is Deadshot|date=December 2, 2014|magazine=Variety|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219012333/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/suicide-squad-cast-revealed-jared-leto-to-play-the-joker-will-smith-is-deadshot-1201368867/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith's participation in the film meant choosing it over a role in ''[[Independence Day: Resurgence]]'', which he said would be like "clinging and clawing backwards".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/12/09/will-smith-suicide-squad-independence-day-resurgence/|title=Will Smith: Why he chose Suicide Squad over Independence Day: Resurgence|date=December 9, 2016|first=Will|last=Robinson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122235600/https://ew.com/article/2016/12/09/will-smith-suicide-squad-independence-day-resurgence/|url-status=live}}</ref> While ''Suicide Squad'' was a massive financial success, earning over $700 million at the box office, the film received negative reviews from critics. Christopher Orr, film critic from ''[[The Atlantic (magazine)|The Atlantic]]'' wrote that "the latest offering from the DC Comics superhero universe may be the most disastrous yet".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/08/suicide-squad-review/494669/|title= Suicide Squad Is the Worst of the Worst|website= The Atlantic|date= August 5, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= November 29, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201129212004/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/08/suicide-squad-review/494669/|url-status= live}}</ref> Later that year, Smith starred in director [[David Frankel]]'s drama ''[[Collateral Beauty]]'', playing a New York advertising executive who succumbs to a deep depression after a personal tragedy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/will-smith-david-frankel-collateral-beauty-1201619138/|title=Will Smith's 'Collateral Beauty' Lands Director David Frankel|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=November 10, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2016|archive-date=January 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119215543/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/will-smith-david-frankel-collateral-beauty-1201619138/|url-status=live}}</ref> Weeks after signing Smith onto the film, his father was diagnosed with cancer, from which he died in 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/will-smith-father-death-collateral-beauty-ellen-degeneres-954211|title=Will Smith Opens Up About How 'Collateral Beauty' Helped Him Deal With Dad's Death|date=December 8, 2016|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211233111/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/will-smith-father-death-collateral-beauty-ellen-degeneres-954211|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of his role required him to read about religion and the afterlife, he was brought closer to the elder Smith, calling the experience "a beautiful way to prepare for a movie and an even more majestic way to say goodbye to my father".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/12/13/collateral-beauty-will-smith-jacob-latimore/95109620/|title=How 'Collateral Beauty' helped Will Smith say goodbye to his father|first=Patrick|last=Ryan|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820114727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/12/13/collateral-beauty-will-smith-jacob-latimore/95109620/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film marked the lowest box office opening of Will Smith's career.<ref name="opening">{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2016/12/rogue-one-star-wars-story-preview-box-office-social-media-1201871704/|title='Rogue One' Flying To $152M+ Weekend; 'Collateral Beauty' A Career B.O. Low For Will Smith: PM Update|magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=December 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219142848/http://deadline.com/2016/12/rogue-one-star-wars-story-preview-box-office-social-media-1201871704/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film also received near universal negative reviews from film critics.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|title= COLLATERAL BEAUTY|website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date= December 16, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= May 2, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180502002030/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|url-status= live}}</ref> ''[[Hollywood Reporter]]'' critic David Rooney criticized Smith's performance writing as "the least interesting component in a madly overqualified cast".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/collateral-beauty-review-955614/|title= 'Collateral Beauty': Film Review|website= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date= December 13, 2016|access-date= March 7, 2022|archive-date= March 8, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/collateral-beauty-review-955614/|url-status= live}}</ref>
His film ''[[Bright (film)|Bright]]'' was distributed via Netflix on December 22, 2017. An urban fantasy, it was the most expensive film for Netflix to date. Smith collaborated with his director from ''Suicide Squad'', [[David Ayer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/will-smith-explains-why-he-made-bright-for-netflix.html|title=Will Smith on His Netflix Film: 'You Almost Can't Make New Movie Stars Anymore'|first=Kyle|last=Buchanan|date=July 20, 2017|website=Vulture.com|access-date=December 20, 2019|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220134415/https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/will-smith-explains-why-he-made-bright-for-netflix.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This would also be another critical disappointment for Smith, with critics panning the film. [[Richard Roeper]] of ''[[The Chicago Sun-Times]]'' criticized the film and Smith's performance writing, "By the time Will Smith barks [the line, "Dude, you can't go through elf town!"] with 100 percent urgency and sincerity in the mindboggling mess that is "Bright," it's clear we are watching a truly terrible, mountainous pile of genre-blending garbage".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/put-an-orc-in-it-will-smiths-cop-fantasy-bright-a-netflix-disaster/|title= Put an orc in it: Will Smith's cop fantasy 'Bright' a Netflix disaster|website= The Chicago-Sun Times|date= March 7, 2022|access-date= March 8, 2022|archive-date= March 8, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/put-an-orc-in-it-will-smiths-cop-fantasy-bright-a-netflix-disaster/|url-status= live}}</ref>
Also in 2017, Smith released the song "Get Lit" a collaboration between him and his former group mate Jazzy Jeff,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Colburn|first1=Randall|title=Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff's new song, "Get Lit", is tremendously bad|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/will-smith-and-dj-jazzy-jeffs-new-song-get-lit-is-tremendously-bad-watch/|website=Consequence of Sound|date=August 28, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151623/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/08/will-smith-and-dj-jazzy-jeffs-new-song-get-lit-is-tremendously-bad-watch/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kaye|first1=Ben|title=Will Smith unveils the studio version for 'Get Lit', his incredibly shitty new EDM song|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/10/will-smith-is-back-with-a-new-edm-song-get-lit-and-its-as-terrible-as-you-feared-stream/|website=Consenquence of Sound|date=October 18, 2017|access-date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=May 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151831/https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/10/will-smith-is-back-with-a-new-edm-song-get-lit-and-its-as-terrible-as-you-feared-stream/|url-status=live}}</ref> and launched his own YouTube channel, which {{as of|2019|07|lc=yes}} has over 6 million subscribers and 294 million total views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuHFYu3smtrl2AwwMOXOlg/about|title=Will Smith|via=YouTube|access-date=July 14, 2018|archive-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020193841/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuHFYu3smtrl2AwwMOXOlg/about|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith performed the official song "[[Live It Up (Nicky Jam song)|Live It Up]]" alongside American singer [[Nicky Jam]] and Kosovar singer [[Era Istrefi]] at the closing ceremony of the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Moscow, Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/nicky-jam-will-smith-will-sing-year-s-official-fifa-n876721|title=Nicky Jam, Will Smith will sing this year's official FIFA 2018 World Cup song|publisher=[[NBC News]]|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=July 16, 2018|archive-date=July 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718073641/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/nicky-jam-will-smith-will-sing-year-s-official-fifa-n876721|url-status=live}}</ref> That September, Smith appeared, alongside [[Bad Bunny]], on the [[Marc Anthony]] song "[[Está Rico]]".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Browning |first1=Justine |title=Watch Will Smith return to rap roots with Marc Anthony and Bad Bunny for Está Rico |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/09/28/will-smith-marc-anthony-bad-bunny-esta-rico/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302210350/https://ew.com/music/2018/09/28/will-smith-marc-anthony-bad-bunny-esta-rico/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Will Smith at the close of the 2018 Soccer World Cup.jpg|thumb|Smith performed the soccer [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]]'s official song "[[Live It Up (Nicky Jam song)|Live It Up]]".]]
Smith portrayed the [[Genie (Disney)|Genie]] (originally voiced by [[Robin Williams]]) in the [[Aladdin (2019 film)|live-action adaptation]] of Disney's ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'', directed by [[Guy Ritchie]]. He also participated in the soundtracks by recording singles: "Arabian Nights (2019)", "[[Friend Like Me]]", and "[[Prince Ali (song)|Prince Ali]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2019/05/21/aladdin-soundtrack-details/|title='Aladdin' Soundtrack Details – Film Music Reporter|website=Filmmusicreproter.com|access-date=June 8, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118154427/http://filmmusicreporter.com/2019/05/21/aladdin-soundtrack-details/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released on May 24, 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine|title='Aladdin': Disney Casts Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/aladdin-will-smith-naomi-scott-jasmine-cast-mena-massoud-d23-1202496767/|magazine=Variety|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715232330/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/aladdin-will-smith-naomi-scott-jasmine-cast-mena-massoud-d23-1202496767/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Aladdin'' grossed over $1 billion worldwide to become Smith's highest-grossing film, surpassing ''Independence Day''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Will Smith Movie Box Office Results |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=willsmith.htm |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706234818/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=willsmith.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith was also featured on rapper Logic's song "Don't Be Afraid To Be Different" (2019), from his fifth studio album ''Confessions of a Dangerous Mind''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/a/will-smith-drops-references-to-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-on-logic-s-don-t-be-afraid-to-be-different|title=Will Smith Drops References To 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' On Logic's "Don't Be Afraid To Be Different"|first=Eddie|last=Fu|work=Genius|access-date=March 23, 2021|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421184509/https://genius.com/a/will-smith-drops-references-to-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-on-logic-s-don-t-be-afraid-to-be-different|url-status=live}}</ref>
Smith appeared as an assassin who faces off against a younger clone of himself in [[Ang Lee]]'s ''[[Gemini Man (film)|Gemini Man]]'', released on October 11, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ang-lees-gemini-man-gets-october-2019-release-1019156|title=Ang Lee's 'Gemini Man' Gets October 2019 Release|last=Lee|first=Ashley|date=July 6, 2017|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=February 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214091056/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ang-lees-gemini-man-gets-october-2019-release-1019156|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a [[box office bomb]] and received negative reviews from critics. ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''{{'}}s Peter DeBruge called the film "a high-concept misfire" and wrote: "In practice, it's been a nearly impossible project to get made, passing through the hands of countless actors and falling through multiple times because the technology wasn't there yet. At least, that's been the excuse, although judging by the finished product, it was the script that never lived up to the promise of its premise".<ref>{{cite web |date= September 26, 2019 |last= DeBruge |first= Peter |title= Film Review: Will Smith in 'Gemini Man' |url= https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/gemini-man-review-will-smith-1203349531/ |website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date= March 7, 2022 |archive-date= March 8, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220308000941/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/gemini-man-review-will-smith-1203349531/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
Later that year, Smith had his second starring role in an animated film, in ''[[Spies in Disguise]]'', opposite [[Tom Holland (actor)|Tom Holland]]. Smith voiced Lance Sterling, a spy who teams up with the nerdy inventor who creates his gadgets (Holland).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/will-smith-tom-holland-1202584327/|title=Will Smith, Tom Holland to Star in Animated Movie 'Spies in Disguise' (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Lang|first=Brent|date=October 9, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=October 11, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012040501/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/will-smith-tom-holland-1202584327/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, he reteamed with Martin Lawrence for the third film in their franchise, ''[[Bad Boys for Life]]''. In 2019, Smith and [[Keisuke Honda]] led a $46 million [[Venture round|investment round]] in esports organization [[Gen.G]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Actor Will Smith joins $46m investment into esports organisation Gen.G|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-04-18-actor-will-smith-leads-usd46m-investment-into-esports-organisation-gen-g|access-date=June 29, 2021|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=April 18, 2019 |language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629131945/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-04-18-actor-will-smith-leads-usd46m-investment-into-esports-organisation-gen-g|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, it was announced that Smith would star in ''[[Emancipation (2022 film)|Emancipation]]'', directed by [[Antoine Fuqua]], in which he portrays Peter, a runaway slave, who outsmarts hunters and the Louisiana swamp on a journey to the [[Union Army]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-emancipation-1234635393/|title=Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua Team on Runaway Slave Thriller 'Emancipation'|first1=Justin|last1=Kroll|date=June 15, 2020|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617192418/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-emancipation-1234635393/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Smith's memoir ''[[Will (Will Smith memoir)|Will]]'', which was written with [[Mark Manson]], the author of ''The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,'' was published on November 9, 2021, and promoted with a tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/will-smith-announces-first-book|title=Will Smith Shares Title, Cover of His First Book, 'WILL'|website=Complex|first=Brenton|last=Blanchet|date=June 19, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620220716/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/will-smith-announces-first-book|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 24, 2021|title=WILL SMITH Announces WILL: AN EVENING OF STORIES WITH FRIENDS at the Savoy Theatre|url=https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/blog/post/will-smith|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=BestofTheatre|language=en|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924150106/https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/blog/post/will-smith|url-status=live}}</ref> The book is a journey of self-knowledge recalling childhood traumas, his relationship with his father, and his experiences with [[ayahuasca]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mosley|first=Tonya|date=November 10, 2021|title=Will Smith says he crafted a joyful image to cover the pain of the past|language=en|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054242854/will-smith-memoir-king-richard?t=1643656877147|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131193659/https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054242854/will-smith-memoir-king-richard?t=1643656877147|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilman|first=Greg|date=November 20, 2021|title=Ayahuasca Helped Will Smith 'Surrender' and More Psychedelic Revelations From Actor's Memoir|url=https://psychedelicspotlight.com/will-smith-ayahuasca-surrender-psychedelic-revelations-from-actors-memoir-will/|access-date=January 31, 2022|website=Psychedelic Spotlight|language=en-US|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131193700/https://psychedelicspotlight.com/will-smith-ayahuasca-surrender-psychedelic-revelations-from-actors-memoir-will/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, he and his [[Westbrook (company)|Westbrook Studios]] company signed a deal with [[National Geographic]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 18, 2021|title=Will Smith's Westbrook Studios Signs First-Look Deal With Nat Geo|url=https://www.thewrap.com/will-smiths-westbrook-studios-signs-first-look-deal-with-nat-geo/|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=TheWrap|language=en-US|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819003622/https://www.thewrap.com/will-smiths-westbrook-studios-signs-first-look-deal-with-nat-geo/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Smith portrayed [[Richard Williams (tennis coach)|Richard Williams]], father and coach of tennis players [[Venus Williams|Venus]] and [[Serena Williams]], in the 2021 film [[King Richard (film)|''King Richard'']]. For his performance, he won the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]],<ref name="indiewire">{{Cite web |last1=Zilko |first1=Christian |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'King Richard' Following Unexpected Live TV Confrontation |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/will-smith-wins-best-actor-oscar-king-richard-1234710880/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=IndieWire |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/will-smith-wins-best-actor-oscar-king-richard-1234710880/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama]], and the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Golden Globes 2022 winners: The full list as Will Smith, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet and more are honoured at low-key awards |url=https://news.sky.com/story/golden-globes-2022-winners-the-full-list-as-will-smith-nicole-kidman-kate-winslet-and-more-are-honoured-at-low-key-awards-12512815 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |publisher=Sky News |date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114161711/https://news.sky.com/story/golden-globes-2022-winners-the-full-list-as-will-smith-nicole-kidman-kate-winslet-and-more-are-honoured-at-low-key-awards-12512815 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On February 7, 2022, National Geographic announced that Smith would star in a series titled ''Pole to Pole'', which will stream on [[Disney+]]. The series follows Smith and his film crew as they go on a {{convert|26000|mi|km|adj=on}} trek from the South Pole to the North Pole, crossing all of Earth's [[biome]]s and spending time in communities along the way.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=Will Smith Will Travel From South Pole to North Pole for National Geographic Series|url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/will-smith-national-geographic-series-pole-to-pole-1235028366/|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 7, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208022114/https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/will-smith-national-geographic-series-pole-to-pole-1235028366/|url-status=live}}</ref> Part of the filming took place during an expedition in the [[Geography of Ecuador#El Oriente (the East) Amazon Basin|Ecuadorian Amazon]] which helped discover the [[northern green anaconda]].<ref name="Anaconda">{{Cite news |last=Fry |first=Bryan G. |date=February 19, 2024 |title=Scientists shocked to discover new species of green anaconda, the world's biggest snake |url=http://theconversation.com/scientists-shocked-to-discover-new-species-of-green-anaconda-the-worlds-biggest-snake-223549 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012503/https://theconversation.com/scientists-shocked-to-discover-new-species-of-green-anaconda-the-worlds-biggest-snake-223549 |url-status=live |journal=The Conversation }}</ref>
==== 2022 Oscars incident ====
{{Main|Chris Rock–Will Smith slapping incident}}
{{further|94th Academy Awards}}
During the [[94th Academy Awards]] on March 27, 2022, Smith walked onstage and slapped presenter and comedian [[Chris Rock]] who had made a joke about his wife [[Jada Pinkett Smith]]'s shaved head<ref name="Alopecia">{{cite web |last=Bellamy |first=Claretta |date=January 7, 2022 |title=How Jada Pinkett Smith is uplifting Black women with alopecia |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/jada-pinkett-smith-uplifting-black-women-alopecia-rcna11273 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328034022/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/jada-pinkett-smith-uplifting-black-women-alopecia-rcna11273 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> with a reference to the main protagonist in the film ''[[G.I. Jane]]''. Smith then returned to his seat and yelled at Rock, twice saying "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!"<ref>{{cite news |title=Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, drops F-bomb | date=March 27, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEoDypUD8 |via=YouTube |publisher=[[The Guardian|Guardian News]] |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329060337/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjEoDypUD8 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars after joke at wife Jada Pinkett Smith's expense |author=ABC7 |date=March 27, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7VvQcWscY |via=YouTube |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329034929/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d7VvQcWscY |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Respers |first1=Lisa France |last2=Elam |first2=Stephanie |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith appeared to strike Chris Rock on Oscars telecast |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/27/entertainment/will-smith-chris-rock/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328064453/https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/27/entertainment/will-smith-chris-rock/index.html |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Pinkett Smith had been diagnosed with [[alopecia areata]] in 2018 and would later shave her head due to the condition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Kimberley |date=December 29, 2021 |title=Jada Pinkett Smith Shares Update On Her Journey With Alopecia |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-update-hair-loss_n_61ccb8eee4b0c7d8b8a0f8f4 |publisher=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409085327/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-update-hair-loss_n_61ccb8eee4b0c7d8b8a0f8f4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stevens |first=Matt |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith hits Chris Rock after joke about his wife, Jada. |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/27/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-oscars.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328181037/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/27/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-oscars.html |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] (AMPAS) said that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but he refused.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sperling|first1=Nicole|last2=Jacobs|first2=Julia|date=March 30, 2022|title=Will Smith Refused to Leave Oscars After Slap, Academy Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-slap-oscars.html|url-status=bot: unknown|newspaper=The New York Times|___location=Los Angeles|publication-place=New York City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331001652/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/movies/will-smith-chris-rock-slap-oscars.html|archive-date=March 31, 2022|access-date=March 31, 2022|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Later in the night, Smith was named [[Academy Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for ''[[King Richard (film)|King Richard]]'' and apologized to the Academy and the other nominees, but not to Rock, in his acceptance speech.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Tearfully Apologizes to Academy After Chris Rock Oscars Slap |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-oscar-best-actor-apology-slap-king-richard-1235119288/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328051847/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-oscar-best-actor-apology-slap-king-richard-1235119288/ |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith appeared to hit Chris Rock at the Oscars over joke about Jada Pinkett Smith |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/will-smith-appears-hit-chris-rock-joke-wife-rcna21775 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/will-smith-appears-hit-chris-rock-joke-wife-rcna21775 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Whelan |first=Robbie |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Will Smith Takes to Oscar Stage, Appears to Strike Chris Rock After Joke About Jada Pinkett Smith |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/oscars-academy-awards-2022/card/will-smith-takes-to-oscar-stage-appears-to-strike-chris-rock-after-joke-about-jada-pinkett-smith-20Zr7QDygQqZ31fHDlCT |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075610/https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/oscars-academy-awards-2022/card/will-smith-takes-to-oscar-stage-appears-to-strike-chris-rock-after-joke-about-jada-pinkett-smith-20Zr7QDygQqZ31fHDlCT |url-status=live }}</ref> The live audience gave Smith two standing ovations. Smith remained at the ceremony until its conclusion and participated in the celebrations later that evening.<ref>Yevgeny Kuklychev, "Fact Check: Did Will Smith Receive a Standing Ovation at the Oscars?" ''Newsweek'', March 28, 2022, updated March 29, 2022, [https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-will-smith-receive-standing-ovation-oscars-1692481 newsweek.com].</ref> Following public backlash, Smith issued a formal apology via a public [[Instagram]] post.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Shafer |first1=Ellise |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Will Smith Apologizes to Chris Rock for Oscars Slap: 'I Was Out of Line and I Was Wrong' |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slap-oscars-statement-1235216526/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328235719/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slap-oscars-statement-1235216526/ |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |magazine=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Arkin |first1=Daniel |title=Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock for slapping him at the Academy Awards |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/awards/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slapping-academy-awards-rcna21925 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075611/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/awards/will-smith-apologizes-chris-rock-slapping-academy-awards-rcna21925 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |publisher=NBC News |date=March 28, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[ABC News (United States)|ABC]], AMPAS, and the [[Screen Actors Guild]] condemned Smith following the incident, prompting an investigation by the Academy's Board of Governors.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-03-29/will-smith-apology-whoopi-goldberg-academy-consequences|title= Film academy governor Whoopi Goldberg: 'Nobody is OK with what happened' with Smith|newspaper= [[Los Angeles Times]]|date= March 29, 2022|access-date= March 30, 2022|archive-date= March 31, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220331010936/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-03-29/will-smith-apology-whoopi-goldberg-academy-consequences|url-status= live}}</ref> Rock declined to press charges against Smith, according to the [[Los Angeles Police Department]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeo |first=Amanda |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Chris Rock won't press charges against Will Smith for that Oscars slap |url=https://mashable.com/article/chris-rock-will-smith-oscars-charges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075610/https://mashable.com/article/chris-rock-will-smith-oscars-charges |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=[[Mashable]] |language=en}}</ref> On April 1, 2022, Smith tendered his resignation from the Academy, writing in part:
<blockquote>I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.</blockquote>
The AMPAS President [[David Rubin (casting director)|David Rubin]] accepted the resignation in an official statement but said they would continue their investigation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Will Smith resigns from Academy after Oscars slap |url=https://news.yahoo.com/smith-resigns-academy-oscars-slap-013500762.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |work=Yahoo News |date=April 2, 2022 |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402022750/https://news.yahoo.com/smith-resigns-academy-oscars-slap-013500762.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith's resignation means he is no longer able to vote on Oscar nominations as a member of the Academy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Tangcay |first1=Jazz |date=April 2, 2022 |title=Here's What Will Smith's Resignation From the Academy Means |url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/will-smith-resignation-academy-what-it-means-1235221516/ |access-date=April 2, 2022 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402135534/https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/will-smith-resignation-academy-what-it-means-1235221516/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Commentators have speculated that Smith's resignation from the Academy and other related fallout from the slap would damage his "family brand".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ryzik |first1=Melena |last2=Sperling |first2=Nicole |last3=Stevens |first3=Matt |date=April 2, 2022 |title=A Slap Could Sting the Smith Family Brand |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/movies/will-smith-family-oscars-slap.html |access-date=April 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403012847/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/movies/will-smith-family-oscars-slap.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On April 8, 2022, the Academy announced its decision to ban Smith from future Oscars galas and associated events for 10 years.<ref name="Banned">{{Cite news |date=April 8, 2022 |title=Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years over slap |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61018821 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408190911/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61018821 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several film projects that Smith had been involved in were put on hold as a result of the controversy.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Will Smith's Upcoming Film Projects Reportedly Paused in Aftermath of Oscars Slap |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-upcoming-films-paused-oscars-slap-1331829/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404072450/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-upcoming-films-paused-oscars-slap-1331829/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a statement to CNN, Smith stated: "I accept and respect the Academy's decision".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/08/entertainment/will-smith-academy-sanctions-decision/index.html|title=Actor Will Smith banned from attending Oscars for 10 years|work=[[CNN]]|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2022|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411082016/https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/08/entertainment/will-smith-academy-sanctions-decision/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Ricardo P Lloyd {{!}} Why I am so over the Will Smith Oscar Incident! |url=https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com/2022/04/entertainment/film/ricardo-p-lloyd-will-smith-oscar-incident/ |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=Student Pocket Guide {{!}} UK Student Magazine |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425130441/https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com/2022/04/entertainment/film/ricardo-p-lloyd-will-smith-oscar-incident/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith offered an on camera apology on July 29, saying he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions.<ref name="Deadline">{{cite web |title=Will Smith Breaks Silence: "Deeply Remorseful" For Oscar Slap |date=July 29, 2022 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/will-smith-breaks-silence-deeply-remorseful-for-oscar-slap-1235081101/ |publisher=Deadline |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807102838/https://deadline.com/2022/07/will-smith-breaks-silence-deeply-remorseful-for-oscar-slap-1235081101/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
As a result of the incident, Netflix cancelled production on an action film that was set to star Smith titled ''Fast and Loose.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/netflix-halts-will-smith-movie-fast-and-loose-1234713775/|title=Netflix Halts Development of Will Smith Movie 'Fast and Loose' — Report|first=Christian|last=Zilko|date=April 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-netflix-movie-1235123901-1235123901/|title=Netflix Backs Away From Will Smith Film 'Fast and Loose' (Exclusive)|first=Kim|last=Masters|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=April 2, 2022}}</ref> In December 2022, ''Emancipation'' was released to mixed reviews and was a commercial failure. Producer [[Todd Black]] partially attributed the failure to Smith's involvement following the Oscar incident.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2023/8/30/jjbh09n8kbcfipxkv3hs88sfeq24xc.‘Emancipation’|title=Producer Says the Film "Didn't Get A Fair Shake"}}</ref>
=== 2023–present: ''Bad Boys: Ride or Die'' and return to music ===
In 2023, it was announced that Smith would co-star in ''[[Bad Boys: Ride or Die]],'' the fourth installment in the [[Bad Boys (franchise)|''Bad Boys'']] film series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=2023-01-31 |title=Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Announce Fourth 'Bad Boys' Movie |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/will-smith-martin-lawrence-bad-boys-4-1235508041/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The film includes a comedic moment inspired by the Oscars incident.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/will-smith-slap-bad-boys-4-1236025109/|title=Will Smith Gets Slapped in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' — and Here's Why It May Save His Career|first=Angelique|last=Jackson|date=June 6, 2024}}</ref> Smith is set to co-star with [[Michael B. Jordan]] in a sequel to ''I Am Legend.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/i-am-legend-2-will-smith-michael-b-jordan-1235104727/|title='I Am Legend' Sequel in the Works With Will Smith, Michael B. Jordan|first=Aaron|last=Couch|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=March 4, 2022}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/michael-b-jordan-filming-update-i-am-legend-2-will-smith-1235916224/|title=Michael B. Jordan Is "Excited" to Start Filming 'I Am Legend 2' With Will Smith|first=Carly|last=Thomas|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=June 6, 2024}}</ref> The film is in active development.<ref name="auto"/> Additionally, Smith is attached to star in the science fiction films ''Brilliance'' and ''Resistor.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/paramount-ms-marvel-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-will-smith-marcus-sakey-novel-brilliance-1235123158/|title=Paramount Taps 'Ms. Marvel's Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy To Helm Marcus Sakey Novel 'Brilliance'; Will Smith Producing And Eyed To Star|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 18, 2024|last=Shanfeld|first=Ethan|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/will-smith-next-movie-resistor-sci-fi-sony-1236041175/|title=Will Smith to Star in Sci-Fi Thriller 'Resistor' From Sony Pictures|access-date=September 5, 2024|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Smith was attached to star in [[crime thriller]] ''Sugar Bandits'', but exited the project in September 2024 due to scheduling conflicts with another undisclosed project; he will remain involved as a producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/will-smith-star-sugar-bandits-efm-1235824870/|title=Will Smith to Star in Crime Thriller 'Sugar Bandits'|first=Ryan|last=Gajewski|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/will-smith-exits-action-movie-sugar-bandits-1236077561/|last=Wiseman|first=Andreas|title=Will Smith Exits Role In Big-Budget Action Movie 'Sugar Bandits'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref>
In September 2023, it was reported by VIBE magazine that [[Joyner Lucas]] and Will Smith would be working together on a joint album.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/will-smith-returning-music-joyner-lucas-joint-album-1234794363/ | title=Will Smith Returning to Music with Joyner Lucas Joint Album | date=September 26, 2023 }}</ref> On May 19, Smith confirmed new music coming in 2024 in an interview with ET<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Smith Reacts to Justin Bieber Having a Baby, Shares His Best Fatherhood Advice (Exclusive) |url=https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/will-smith-reacts-to-justin-bieber-having-a-baby-shares-his-best-fatherhood-advice |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Entertainment Tonight |language=en-US}}</ref> and that it is the most personal music he had ever done,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Smith on 'Ride or Die' Wife Jada, 'Bad Boys 4' & New Music Coming (Exclusive) |url=https://extratv.com/2024/05/19/will-smith-says-wife-jada-is-as-ride-or-die-as-they-come/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Extra |language=en}}</ref> with [[Teddy Swims]] confirming he recorded music with Will for the upcoming project.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/teddy-swims-interview-will-smith-mental-health-uk-tour-lose-control-3761465 | title=Teddy Swims: "I recently got to record a song with Will Smith – he's the sweetest guy ever" | website=[[NME]] | date=June 2024 }}</ref>
On June 27, 2024, Smith announced on his Instagram that his first solo single in nearly 20 years was coming out the following day, "[[You Can Make It]]", saying "Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me - to lift me and help me grow. It's my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve".<ref>{{Cite instagram |title=Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me - to lift me and help me grow. |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8uouhFvokS/ |postid=C8uouhFvokS |user=willsmith |last=Smith |first=Will |date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-10 }}</ref> The song released at midnight that evening, featuring [[Fridayy]] and the [[Sunday Service Choir]]. On July 24, 2024, it was announced that Smith had signed a new distribution deal with SLANG, a newly formed independent label.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/will-smith-signs-new-independent-record-label-slang-1235955670/ |title=Will Smith Signs Distribution Deal at New Independent Record Label SLANG (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Fekadu |first=Mesfin |date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2025}}</ref> On July 26, 2024, Smith released another single "Work of Art", featuring his son [[Jaden Smith|Jaden]] and [[Russ (rapper)|Russ]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Zemler |first=Emily |date=2024-07-26 |title=Will Smith Taps Jaden Smith, Russ for Reflective Single 'Work of Art' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/will-smith-work-of-art-single-jaden-smith-1235068583/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Elias |date=2024-07-27 |title=Will Smith, Russ And Jaden Promote Self Belief On "Work Of Art" Single |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/828612-will-smith-russ-jaden-work-of-art-stream |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> On December 12, Smith released another single, "TANTRUM", with Joyner Lucas.
In 2025, Smith announced his fifth studio album, ''[[Based on a True Story (Will Smith album)|Based on a True Story]]'', which was released on March 28, 2025. The album consists of 14 tracks, including five previously released singles and nine new songs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=2025-03-15 |title=Will Smith's First Album In 20 Years Gets Release Date |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/will-smith-new-album-release-date-based-on-a-true-story-1236327604/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/will-smith-talks-based-true-story-album-new-music-1235888222/ |title=Will Smith Returns With 'Based on a True Story' Album: 'I'm on Fire About This Next Creative Phase' |magazine=Billboard |last=Mitchell |first=Gail |date=January 30, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2025}}</ref>
On March 23, 2025, Smith performed at the [[2025 CONCACAF Nations League final]] at [[SoFi Stadium]] in [[Inglewood, California]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concacaf.com/nations-league/news/will-smith-to-perform-at-concacaf-nations-league-final-at-sofi-stadium-on-march-23/|title=Will Smith to Perform at Concacaf Nations League Final at SoFi Stadium on March 23|date=March 13, 2025|website=Concacaf}}</ref>
==Personal life==
===Relationships and family===
[[File:Nobel Peace Price Concert 2009 Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith with children1.jpg|thumb|upright|Smith at the 2009 [[Nobel Peace Prize Concert]] in [[Oslo]], Norway with his family (''left'' to ''right'': son [[Jaden Smith|Jaden]], wife [[Jada Pinkett Smith|Jada]], Smith, daughter [[Willow Smith|Willow]])]]
During the late-1980s, Smith confirmed he briefly dated [[Pepa (rapper)|Sandra Denton]], better known as Pepa of the hip-hop group [[Salt-N-Pepa]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holland |first=Stephanie |date=October 30, 2023 |title=What Really Happened When Will Smith, Pepa Went On a Date Back in the Day? |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/really-happened-smith-pepa-went-153500042.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABg89VVOS4SLzTqDLnGPoJjEPDT3EYcfj8ayFV1Vwya9IhBfy11fnGj_a7lpw4Ewb6_NStbChX8xi4yb0LSBdmgGYLCJgwcJclT12_Ee1p-RlFvkvb-pcX7pw5VXXoWqyBdVqb-gVl6EWZUWFmSLmn-csDHTDSNRcsoIU39eGtz8 |access-date=October 29, 2023 |website=Yahoo}}</ref>
Smith married Sheree Zampino in 1992. <span id="Trey Smith (actor)"></span>Their son Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III was born on November 11, 1992.<ref name=TreyTurns21>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Will|title=Happy 21st bday Trey|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153453229715161&id=92304305160&set=a.231136370160.270995.92304305160&source=48&__user=100001728660416|via=Facebook|date=November 11, 2013|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-date=April 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428103039/https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153453229715161&id=92304305160&set=a.231136370160.270995.92304305160&source=48&__user=100001728660416|url-status=live}}{{Primary source inline|date=March 2022}}</ref> The two divorced in 1995. Trey appeared in his father's music video for the 1998 single "[[Just the Two of Us (Will Smith song)|Just the Two of Us]]". He also acted in two episodes of the sitcom ''[[All of Us]]'', and has appeared on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' and the ''David Blaine: Real or Magic'' TV special.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.black-collegian.com/issues/2ndsem07/will_smith.htm |title=Will Smith in Pursuit of Excellence |access-date=October 23, 2007 |author=Williams, Jean A. |date=March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025040916/http://www.black-collegian.com/issues/2ndsem07/will_smith.htm |archive-date=October 25, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Smith married actress Jada Koren Pinkett on December 31, 1997.<ref>{{cite news|date=January 2, 1998|title=Will Smith, Jada Pinkett wed|work=[[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]]|agency=[[The Associated Press]]|___location=[[Baltimore]], Maryland|via=newspaperarchive.com}}</ref> They met when Pinkett auditioned for a role as Smith's character's girlfriend in ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]''. The pair produce films through their joint production company [[Overbrook Entertainment]] and [[Westbrook Inc.]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-will-smith-and-jada-pinkett-smiths-westbrook-media-thrived-in-a-pandemic|first=Natalie|last=Jarvey|title=How Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook Media Thrived in a Pandemic|date=March 4, 2021|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 17, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417011528/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-will-smith-and-jada-pinkett-smiths-westbrook-media-thrived-in-a-pandemic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oprahmag.com/life/relationships-love/a26814630/will-and-jada-pinkett-smith-marriage/|title=Why Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Marriage Is So Enduring|work=[[O, The Oprah Magazine|Oprah Maga]]|last=Darrisaw|first=Michelle|date=May 4, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626042802/https://www.oprahmag.com/life/relationships-love/a26814630/will-and-jada-pinkett-smith-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref> Together they have two children: [[Jaden Smith]] (born 1998), his co-star in ''The Pursuit of Happyness'' and ''After Earth''; and [[Willow Smith]] (born 2000), who appeared as his daughter in ''[[I Am Legend (film)|I Am Legend]]''.
Smith and his wife Jada have expressed unconventional practices in their marriage, jokingly calling their commitment "bad marriage for life".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/07/will-smith-and-jada-pinkett-smith-chuckle-about-their-complicated-marriage|title=Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith Chuckle About Their Complicated Marriage|date=July 10, 2020|last=Hoffman|first=Jordan|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=June 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622000139/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/07/will-smith-and-jada-pinkett-smith-chuckle-about-their-complicated-marriage|url-status=live}}</ref> Both he and Pinkett Smith have admitted to having [[open marriage|extramarital relationships]] and believing in the freedom to pursue them. Smith has said he wanted a polyamorous relationship with actress [[Halle Berry]] and ballerina [[Misty Copeland]] but ultimately abandoned the idea after therapy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gq.com/story/will-smith-november-cover-profile|title=Introducing the real Will Smith|magazine=GQ|date=September 27, 2021|last=Lowery|first=Wesley|access-date=September 28, 2021|archive-date=September 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928234533/https://www.gq.com/story/will-smith-november-cover-profile|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, Pinkett Smith stated that she and Smith had been separated since 2016, though they have no intention to divorce.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lewis|first=Hilary|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/will-smith-jada-pinkett-smith-separated-2016-1235614912/|title=Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals She and Will Smith Have Lived Separate Lives Since 2016|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=October 11, 2023|access-date=October 11, 2023|archive-date=October 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011132619/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/will-smith-jada-pinkett-smith-separated-2016-1235614912/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2018, Smith celebrated his 50th birthday by performing a bungee jump from a helicopter in the [[Grand Canyon]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-45649129|title=Will Smith bungee jumps out of helicopter for 50th birthday|date=September 26, 2018|publisher=BBC|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010154226/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-45649129|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith was insured by [[Lloyd's of London]] for $200 million for the jump, which raised money for the charity Global Citizen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://insuranceinsider.com/articles/122341/will-smith-bungee-jump-insured-up-to-200mn-via-lloyds|title=Will Smith bungee jump insured up to $200mn via Lloyd's|date=October 15, 2018|publisher=The Insurance Insider|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-date=October 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203232/https://insuranceinsider.com/articles/122341/will-smith-bungee-jump-insured-up-to-200mn-via-lloyds|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Religious and political views===
Smith was raised in a [[Baptist]] household and attended a Baptist church and [[Catholic]] school. In a 2013 interview, he said he did not identify as religious.<ref>{{cite web |title=Football Lover Will Smith on Playing the Man Who Fought the NFL |url=https://www.gq.com/story/will-smith-on-playing-the-man-who-fought-the-nfl |website=GQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101010024/https://www.gq.com/story/will-smith-on-playing-the-man-who-fought-the-nfl |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |date=November 25, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mr. and Mr. Smith: Will and Jaden Psych Up for After Earth |website=[[Vulture (blog)#Digital expansion and blogs|Vulture]] |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/05/will-and-jaden-smith-on-working-together.html |date=May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527222650/http://www.vulture.com/2013/05/will-and-jaden-smith-on-working-together.html |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, Smith said in an interview with ''[[The Christian Post]]'' that his Christian faith, which was instilled in him by his grandmother, helped him to accurately portray [[Bennet Omalu]] in ''[[Concussion (2015 film)|Concussion]]'', saying: "She was my spiritual teacher, she was that grandmother at the church, the one having the kids doing the Easter presentations and putting on the Christmas plays and her kids and grandkids had to be first. She was the most spiritually certain person that I had ever met in my entire life. Even to the point that when she was dying she was happy, like she was really excited about going to heaven".<ref>{{cite news |title=Will Smith Touched by God on Set of 'Concussion' |newspaper=[[The Christian Post]] |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/will-smith-concussion-god-nfl-football-film.html |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104021355/https://www.christianpost.com/news/will-smith-concussion-god-nfl-football-film.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, Smith performed the [[Hindu]] rite of [[abhisheka]] of [[Lord Shiva|Shiva]] at [[Haridwar]], [[India]]. He also performed an [[Aarti|arti]] of the holy river [[Ganga]]. He has said that he feels a deep connection to Hindu spirituality and Indian [[astrology]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/in-haridwar-will-smith-performed-rudra-abhishek-to-nullify-ill-effects-of-saturn/articleshow/66169714.cms |title=In Haridwar, Will Smith performed 'Rudra Abhishek' to nullify ill-effects of Saturn |first=Yogesh |last=Kumar |date=October 11, 2018 |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329231754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/in-haridwar-will-smith-performed-rudra-abhishek-to-nullify-ill-effects-of-saturn/articleshow/66169714.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith and his family also met and spent time with the Indian spiritual leader [[Sadhguru]], stating that he enjoyed the heartfelt conversations between them.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2020 |title=I have been following Sadhguru for a while: Will Smith |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/i-have-been-following-sadhguru-for-a-while-will-smith-6785327/ |access-date=March 29, 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102023427/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/i-have-been-following-sadhguru-for-a-while-will-smith-6785327/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Smith donated $4,600 to the [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|2008 presidential campaign]] of [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Barack Obama]].<ref name="NewsMeat">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Will_Smith.php|title=Will Smith's Federal Campaign Contribution Report|access-date=January 11, 2008 |work=newsmeat.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121042009/http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Will_Smith.php|archive-date=January 21, 2008}}</ref> On December 11, 2009, Smith and his wife hosted the [[Nobel Peace Prize Concert]] in Oslo, Norway, to celebrate Obama's winning of the prize.<ref name=NPPC>{{cite web|title=The Nobel Peace Prize Concert |url=http://nobelpeaceprize.org/concert/history/2009.php |access-date=January 11, 2011 |publisher=nobelpeaceprize.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626130108/http://nobelpeaceprize.org/concert/history/2009.php |archive-date=June 26, 2011 }}</ref> In 2012, Smith said he supported legalizing [[Same-sex marriage in the United States|same-sex marriage]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Will Smith supports gay marriage|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/showbiz/article.aspx?id=750430&vId=|publisher=Sky News|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724223402/http://www.skynews.com.au/showbiz/article.aspx?id=750430&vId=|archive-date=July 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2021, Smith announced that production of his upcoming film, ''Emancipation'', was being pulled from the U.S. state of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] because of the recent passage of the [[Election Integrity Act of 2021]], which critics viewed as a restrictive voting law, negatively impacting non-white voters. Smith and director [[Antoine Fuqua]] released a joint statement: "We cannot in good conscience provide economic support to a government that enacts regressive voting laws that are designed to restrict voter access".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/business/will-smith-emancipation-georgia.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/business/will-smith-emancipation-georgia.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |url-access=limited|title=Will Smith's production pulls out of Georgia, citing the state's voting law.|first=Nicole|last=Sperling|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 12, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Lisa Respers France|title=Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua pull 'Emancipation' production from Georgia|date=April 12, 2021 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/entertainment/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-boycott-georgia/index.html|access-date=April 13, 2021|publisher=CNN|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413162711/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/entertainment/will-smith-antoine-fuqua-boycott-georgia/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Public image and legacy==
Smith has often been noted for achieving groundbreaking success throughout his musical career, and with his work as an actor in television and film. He has been cited as one of the "greatest actors" of his generation by several publications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Mehera |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Get Acquainted With Will Smith's Full Oscars History |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a39537937/does-will-smith-have-an-oscar/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329075609/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a39537937/does-will-smith-have-an-oscar/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Preezy |date=March 26, 2022 |title=Hollywood Shuffle: Will Smith's 10 Most Iconic Movie Roles |url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/will-smith-best-movie-roles-hollywood-shuffle/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327002839/https://www.vibe.com/lists/will-smith-best-movie-roles-hollywood-shuffle/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' referred to him as the "biggest movie star of the post-[[September 11 attacks|9/11]] era".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |title=How Will Smith's Assault On Chris Rock Could Hurt His Movie Career |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/04/01/will-smith-assualt-of-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-could-hurt-his-career-like-tom-cruise-johnny-depp/ |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402025827/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/04/01/will-smith-assualt-of-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-could-hurt-his-career-like-tom-cruise-johnny-depp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His transition from music to acting has influenced multiple rappers to also become actors, with him being cited as a pioneer for the rappers crossing over into acting by [[Complex Networks|''Complex'']].<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Definitive List of Rappers as Actors|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2021/04/a-definitive-ranking-of-rappers-as-actors/|access-date=February 26, 2022|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226030749/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2021/04/a-definitive-ranking-of-rappers-as-actors/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Robert Jr|last=Yaniz|date=November 21, 2016|title=5 Best Rappers Turned Actors|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/5-best-rappers-turned-actors.html/|access-date=February 26, 2022|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226030749/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/5-best-rappers-turned-actors.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' named him one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people in the world]];<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Schickel|first=Richard|date=May 8, 2006|title=The 2006 TIME 100 – TIME|language=en-US|magazine=Time|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1975813_1975838_1976246,00.html|access-date=February 25, 2022|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020140645/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1975813_1975838_1976246,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in 2008, ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'' named him one of the 75 most influential people of the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 16, 2008|title=The 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century|url=https://www.esquire.com/Chrysler200/most-influential-21st-century-1008|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=Esquire|language=en-US|archive-date=December 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223052903/http://www.esquire.com/Chrysler200/most-influential-21st-century-1008|url-status=live}}</ref>
''' Music '''
His work as a member of [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince]] made them the first rap act to win a [[Grammy Awards|Grammy Award]], and the first to win an [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video]], when the song "[[Parents Just Don't Understand]]" won in the inaugural rap categories at both award show ceremonies.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fields|first=Kiah|date=February 22, 2016|title=Best Hip Hop Moments of #BHM: Will Smith Wins First Rap Grammy|url=https://thesource.com/2016/02/22/best-hip-hop-moments-of-bhm-will-smith-wins-first-rap-grammy/|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=The Source|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225233932/https://thesource.com/2016/02/22/best-hip-hop-moments-of-bhm-will-smith-wins-first-rap-grammy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Steiner|first=B. J.|title=Today In Hip-Hop: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince Win The First VMA For Rap|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/today-hip-hop-dj-jazzy-jeff-fresh-prince-win-first-vma-rap/|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=XXL Mag|date=September 6, 2013 |language=en|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225233922/https://www.xxlmag.com/today-hip-hop-dj-jazzy-jeff-fresh-prince-win-first-vma-rap/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[XXL (magazine)|''XXL'']] has referred to him as "one of the most important rappers of all time".<ref>{{Cite web |last=High |first=Kemet |title=Why Will Smith's G.O.A.T. Status Isn't Up for Debate |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/will-smith-definition-of-a-goat/ |access-date=February 25, 2022 |website=XXL Mag |date=September 24, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225233921/https://www.xxlmag.com/will-smith-definition-of-a-goat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2013, his debut solo album ''[[Big Willie Style]]'' (1997) is among the best-selling rap albums of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 50 Best Selling Rap Albums of All Time |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/the-50-best-selling-rap-albums/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=Complex |language=en |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324061514/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/the-50-best-selling-rap-albums/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''' Television '''
Smith launched his acting career by starring in the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]''; the show's success is considered to be a watershed moment for [[Hip hop music|Hip-Hop]] and Black television,<ref>{{Cite news|title=The story behind Will Smith's iconic 'hug' scene in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/09/11/fresh-prince-bel-air-hug-father-scene/|access-date=February 26, 2022|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225095419/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/09/11/fresh-prince-bel-air-hug-father-scene/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Uschan|first=Michael V.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uVlmDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22fresh+prince%22+%22watershed%22&pg=PT94|title=Will Smith|date=March 13, 2009|publisher=Greenhaven Publishing LLC|isbn=978-1-4205-0201-5|language=en|access-date=March 11, 2022|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328111051/https://books.google.com/books?id=uVlmDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22fresh+prince%22+%22watershed%22&pg=PT94|url-status=live}}</ref> with many publications referring to it as one of the "Greatest Sitcoms of All Time".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Becoats|first=Kellen|date=February 10, 2022|title=Sitcom or Not, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Knew How to Pull Off Drama|url=https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/2/10/22925520/sitcom-or-not-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-knew-how-to-pull-off-drama|access-date=February 26, 2022|website=The Ringer|language=en|archive-date=February 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226030749/https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/2/10/22925520/sitcom-or-not-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-knew-how-to-pull-off-drama|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fresh Prince GOAT|url=https://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/film-tv/the-fresh-prince-of-belair-is-returningas-a-gritty-drama/news-story/512fe75a6658412fb66f442d0d0dc9bd?amp|website=GQ Australia|date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=February 26, 2022|archive-date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220331133628/https://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/film-tv/the-fresh-prince-of-belair-is-returningas-a-gritty-drama/news-story/512fe75a6658412fb66f442d0d0dc9bd?amp|url-status=live}}</ref> Professor Andrew Horton said, "Smith's genre of comedy, popularized on the sitcom ''Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' translated well into commercial box-office appeal. ''The Fresh Prince'' watered down and capitalized upon the then growing popularity of Hip Hop and almost anticipated its dominance on the American scene".<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Horton|first1=Andrew|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NB2zCQAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22fresh+prince%22+%22significance%22&pg=PA345|title=A Companion to Film Comedy|last2=Rapf|first2=Joanna E.|date=December 14, 2015|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-119-16955-0|language=en|access-date=March 11, 2022|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328111052/https://books.google.com/books?id=NB2zCQAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22fresh+prince%22+%22significance%22&pg=PA345|url-status=live}}</ref>
Moreover, author Willie Tolliver noted, "What ''The Fresh Prince'' did accomplish was to put Smith and his character Will into an environment of affluence and possibility, thus changing the terms of his own Black identity. This social and cultural mobility is central to Smith's racial significance, and this will become evident again and again; he moves the image of the Black male into unaccustomed spaces just as Smith himself was in the process of conquering Hollywood".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tolliver|first=Willie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dD1ZEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22rapper%22+%22significance%22&pg=PA46|title=Deconstructing Will Smith: Race, Masculinity and Global Stardom|date=January 6, 2022|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-7569-5|language=en|access-date=March 11, 2022|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328111053/https://books.google.com/books?id=dD1ZEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22will+smith%22+%22rapper%22+%22significance%22&pg=PA46|url-status=live}}</ref>
''' Film '''
After starring in his debut film ''[[Where the Day Takes You]]'' (1992), Smith quickly became one of Hollywood's most successful and bankable stars.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Obenson |first1=Tambay |date=March 13, 2022 |title=Will Smith's 14 Best Movies Ranked |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-will-smith-movies-ranked/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=IndieWire |language=en |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324013918/https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-will-smith-movies-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He currently holds the record for the most consecutive $100-million-plus hits at the U.S. box office, with eight.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2020 |title=Every Box Office Record Held By Will Smith |url=https://screenrant.com/will-smith-movies-box-office-records/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329191138/https://screenrant.com/will-smith-movies-box-office-records/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith starred as Daryl Ward in the film ''[[Bright (film)|Bright]]'' (2017), which broke the record at the time for the most-viewed Netflix film ever for its first week,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |date=January 3, 2018 |title=Netflix Firms 'Bright' Sequel With Will Smith |url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/netflix-bright-sequel-will-smith-david-ayer-joel-edgerton-1202234786/ |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617210325/https://deadline.com/2018/01/netflix-bright-sequel-will-smith-david-ayer-joel-edgerton-1202234786/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and became the first major Hollywood film to skip theatrical release over streaming platform for simultaneous viewing by more than 100 million people worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Netflix makes history with Will Smith-starrer Bright |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/01/06/1774982/netflix-makes-history-will-smith-starrer-bright |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=The Philippine Star |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328111055/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/01/06/1774982/netflix-makes-history-will-smith-starrer-bright |url-status=live }}</ref>
Smith's roles as Agent J in ''[[Men in Black 3]]'', [[Richard Williams (tennis coach)|Richard Williams]] in ''[[King Richard (film)|King Richard]]'', and Daryl Ward in ''Bright'' are among the highest-paid film roles of all time, with him reportedly earning $100 million for ''Men in Black 3''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2021 |title=Jack Sparrow to The Joker: 19 top-paid movie roles in Hollywood |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3127398/19-highest-paid-movie-roles-all-time-johnny-depp-pirates |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325023558/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3127398/19-highest-paid-movie-roles-all-time-johnny-depp-pirates |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Travis|last=Clark|date=August 19, 2021 |title=25 highest paid movie roles of all time for actors: list |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/16-of-the-highest-paid-movie-roles-of-all-time-2018-5 |access-date=March 27, 2022 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324015241/https://www.businessinsider.com/16-of-the-highest-paid-movie-roles-of-all-time-2018-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> His film ''[[Emancipation (2022 film)|Emancipation]]'' (2022) was sold to [[Apple Studios (production company)|Apple Studios]] for $120 million in June 2020, which made it the largest film festival acquisition deal in film history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Will Smith Once Earned $100 Million for *ONE* Movie and Now His Net Worth Is Astronomical |date=October 26, 2021 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/entanglement-smiths-bank-account-please-191900979.html |access-date=March 27, 2022 |publisher=Yahoo! News |language=en |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028164149/https://news.yahoo.com/entanglement-smiths-bank-account-please-191900979.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Smith became the fifth black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, after [[Sidney Poitier]], [[Denzel Washington]], [[Jamie Foxx]], and [[Forest Whitaker]].<ref name="indiewire"/>
==Acting credits and accolades ==
{{main| Will Smith filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith}}
<!--As per, [[WP:SPLIT]], this section does not require referencing as all information below has already mentioned and referenced in this article and other corresponding "Will Smith" articles ([[Will Smith filmography]], [[Will Smith discography]] and [[List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith]].-->
Smith has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith|multiple awards]] throughout his career, including an [[Academy Award for Best Actor]] for his role as [[Richard Williams (tennis coach)|Richard Williams]], the prolific father and coach to championship tennis players [[Williams sisters|Venus and Serena Williams]], in the biopic ''[[King Richard (film)|King Richard]]'' (2021){{emdash}}a role that also won him a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama|Golden Globe Award]], [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|BAFTA Award]] and [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role|Screen Actors Guild Award]] in the same category; he also received a producer nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Picture]]. Prior to this award, he had been nominated several times for the Academy Award (2; for ''[[Ali (film)|Ali]]'' and ''[[The Pursuit of Happyness]]''), the Golden Globe Award (5; for ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'', ''Ali'', ''The Pursuit of Happyness'' and ''[[Concussion (2015 film)|Concussion]]''), and the Screen Actors Guild Award (once for ''The Pursuit of Happyness''). In 2005, he received the [[Honorary César|honorary César Award]]; that same year, he was nominated for the [[Tony Award for Best Musical]] for ''[[Fela!]]''; and in 2021, he was nominated as a producer of ''[[Cobra Kai]]'' for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series]].
Aside from acting and behind-the-scenes work [[Will Smith filmography|on screen and stage]], Smith has made ventures into [[hip hop music|hip hop]] with the release of several songs, four of which won him [[Grammy Awards]]{{emdash}}one for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance|Best Rap Performance]] (for "[[Parents Just Don't Understand]]"), one for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group|Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]] (for "[[Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince song)|Summertime]]"), and two for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance|Best Rap Solo Performance]] (for "[[Men in Black (song)|Men in Black]]" and "[[Gettin' Jiggy wit It]]"); the former two of which he won as a member of the duo [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince]]. His [[Primetime Emmy Awards|Emmy]], [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]], [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] and [[Tony Awards|Tony Award]] nominations make him one of few [[List of African-American actors|black actors]] to be [[List of EGOT winners#Four nominations|nominated for all four major entertainment awards in the U.S.]]
On March 26, 2025, Smith attended a ceremony where his name was added to red stripes at the bottom of street signs along a block of 59th Street in west Philadelphia. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/west-philadelphia-street-renamed-will-smith-way/|title=West Philadelphia street renamed "Will Smith Way" in honor of the city's original Fresh Prince - CBS Philadelphia|date=March 26, 2025|website=www.cbsnews.com}}</ref>
==Discography==
{{Main|Will Smith discography|DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince discography}}
* ''[[Big Willie Style]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Willennium]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Born to Reign]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Lost and Found (Will Smith album)|Lost and Found]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Based on a True Story (Will Smith album)|Based on a True Story]]'' (2025)<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Mitchell |first1=Gail |title=Will Smith Returns With 'Based on a True Story' Album: 'I'm on Fire About This Next Creative Phase' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/will-smith-talks-based-true-story-album-new-music-1235888222/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=31 January 2025 |date=30 January 2025}}</ref>
== See also ==
{{Portal|Philadelphia}}
*[[African-American culture]]
*[[List of black Academy Award winners and nominees]]
*{{slink|Representation of African Americans in media|Television}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Further reading==
* {{Cite book |last=Iannucci |first=Lisa M. |year=2009 |title=Will Smith: A Biography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RqHYNt3QP0kC |___location=Santa Barbara, Calif. |publisher=Greenwood Press |isbn=978-0-313-37610-8}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Will |first2=Mark |last2=Manson |year=2021 |title=Will |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S2ZNEAAAQBAJ |___location=New York |publisher=Penguin Press |isbn=978-1-984-87792-5}} Memoir.
==External links==
{{Commons category|Will Smith}}
* {{IMDb name|226}}
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=5bae7081-64ef-4473-825a-38d310deb14c|name=Will Smith}}
{{Will Smith}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Will Smith|Awards for Will Smith]]
|list =
{{Academy Award Best Actor}}
{{AARP Movies for Grownups Award for Best Actor}}
{{American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist}}
{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist}}
{{BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role}}
{{BET Award for Best Actor}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Actor}}
{{Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actor}}
{{Golden Globe Award Best Actor Motion Picture Drama}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Combo}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance}}
{{Honorary César}}
{{Maltin Modern Master Award}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Song}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Hip-Hop}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Male}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Fight}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Musical Moment}}
{{MTV Movie Award for Best Performance}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Actor}}
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor}}
{{Razzie Redeemer Award}}
{{Saturn Award for Best Actor}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward MaleLeadMotionPicture}}
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{{DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince}}
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