Will Smith's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Will Smith. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Will Smith is a highly successful American actor, rapper, and film producer. He has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. Smith's films have generated over $10 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful and influential figures.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

2005: Honorary César Award and Tony Award nomination for Fela!

In 2005, Will Smith received the honorary César Award. That same year, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical for Fela!.

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2006: Named one of Time's 100 most influential people

In 2006, Time named Will Smith one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2008: Named one of Esquire's 75 most influential people of the 21st century

In 2008, Esquire named Will Smith one of the 75 most influential people of the 21st century.

2017: Film Bright broke record for most-viewed Netflix film

In 2017, Will Smith's film Bright broke the record for the most-viewed Netflix film ever for its first week.

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June 2020: Emancipation film sold to Apple Studios for $120 million

In June 2020, Will Smith's action thriller drama Emancipation was sold to Apple Studios for $120 million, making it the largest film festival acquisition deal in film history.

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2021: Portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard and awards

In 2021, Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in the film King Richard. For his performance, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, 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.

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2021: Awards for King Richard and producer nomination for Cobra Kai

In 2021, Will Smith won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Richard Williams in King Richard, also winning a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award and Screen Actors Guild Award in the same category. He also received a producer nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for Cobra Kai.

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March 27, 2022: Slapping incident at the 94th Academy Awards

During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Smith later apologized after public backlash and won the Best Actor award. The Academy initiated an investigation.

2022: Academy Award win and slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars

In 2022, Will Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard. The same night he slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, leading to intense debate about his public image and legacy.

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