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, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and four Grammys. Smith is one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, with his films grossing over $10 billion globally. He is renowned for his contributions to both the film and music industries, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in entertainment.

Sections (6)

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

1997: Big Willie Style album release

In 1997, Will Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style was released and became one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.

2005: Received honorary César Award and nominated for Tony Award 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 the 100 most influential people in the world by Time

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

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

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

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

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

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2018: 50th Birthday Bungee Jump

In 2018, Will Smith celebrated his 50th birthday by performing a bungee jump from a helicopter in the Grand Canyon, raising money for the charity Global Citizen.

May 24, 2019: Release of Aladdin

On May 24, 2019, the live-action adaptation of Disney's Aladdin, starring Will Smith as the Genie, was released. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

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June 2020: Apple Studios acquired Emancipation 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

In 2021, Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in the film 'King Richard', and won several awards for his performance.

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2021: Won multiple awards for role in King Richard

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

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

On March 27, 2022, during the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith later won Best Actor for 'King Richard'.

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2022: Won Academy Award for Best Actor and Slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards

In 2022, Will Smith became the fifth black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard. However, his public image was tarnished after slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, leading to debates about his legacy and reputation.

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2022: Emancipation

Will Smith's action thriller drama Emancipation (2022) was sold to Apple Studios for $120 million in June 2020, which made it the largest film festival acquisition deal in film history.

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March 26, 2025: Added to red stripes at the bottom of street signs along a block of 59th Street

On March 26, 2025, Will 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.