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, an American actor, rapper, and film producer, has achieved significant success in both film and music. He has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Awards. With his films grossing over $10 billion globally, he is recognized as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful stars.

Sections (6)

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

1997: Release of debut solo album Big Willie Style

In 1997, Will Smith's debut solo album, Big Willie Style, was released and went on to become 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, and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical for Fela!.

2006: Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world

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

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

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

2013: Big Willie Style one of the best-selling rap albums of all time

As of 2013, Will Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style (1997) is among the best-selling rap albums of all time.

2017: Bright broke Netflix viewing record

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

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2018: 50th Birthday Bungee Jump in the Grand Canyon

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, becoming Smith's highest-grossing film.

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June 2020: Emancipation acquired by Apple Studios for $120 million

In June 2020, Will Smith's film Emancipation was sold to Apple Studios for $120 million, marking the largest film festival acquisition deal.

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2021: Portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard

In 2021, Will Smith portrayed Richard Williams in the film King Richard, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, and the Screen Actors Guild Award.

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2021: Won Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard

In 2021, Will Smith received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, also winning a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award and Screen Actors Guild Award in the same category.

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2022: Won Academy Award for Best Actor and Slapped Chris Rock

In 2022, Will Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard. During the ceremony, he slapped Chris Rock on stage, leading to intense debate about his public image and legacy.

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2022: Action thriller drama Emancipation was sold to Apple Studios

In 2022, Will Smith's action thriller drama Emancipation 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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