Will Smith set to present Grammys three years on from shock Chris Rock slap at the Oscars
Will Smith is set to make a surprise return to a major awards ceremony, with plans to appear at the 2025 Grammys this Sunday.
The appearance marks a significant moment for the 56-year-old actor, coming three years after his infamous slap of comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards.
Smith, who has previously won four Grammy awards himself, was confirmed as a presenter on Friday for the ceremony at LA’s Crypto.com arena.
The Oscar-winning actor has largely avoided major awards shows since the controversial incident at the Oscars, though he has gradually begun returning to public performances.
His upcoming Grammys appearance represents one of his most high-profile awards show commitments since the 2022 controversy.
At the Grammys, Smith will introduce a special musical tribute to Quincy Jones, who served as executive producer on Smith’s breakthrough series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The star-studded presenter lineup also includes Victoria Monét, Cardi B, and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Gloria Estefan, Olivia Rodrigo, Queen Latifah, and SZA will also take to the presenting stage during the ceremony.
The evening will feature performances from six new artist nominees, including Benson Boone, Chappell Roan, and Raye.
Additional musical performances are scheduled from established artists Billie Eilish, Shakira, and Charli XCX.
The incident that led to Smith’s awards show absence occurred at the 94th Academy Awards on 27 March, 2022.
During the ceremony, Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, which was related to her battle with alopecia.
Smith responded by walking onto the stage and slapping Rock, before returning to his seat and shouting “keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Later that evening, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, delivering a tearful acceptance speech but not apologising to Rock.
Following the incident, the Academy took decisive action, banning Smith from attending the Oscars until 2032.
The controversy marked a turning point in Smith’s public appearances, with the actor maintaining a lower profile at major entertainment industry events in the years that followed.
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Smith has recently begun making tentative steps back into the spotlight at major public events.
In July 2024, he made a notable appearance at the BET Awards, delivering his first major solo performance since the Oscars controversy.
The performance featured his new song You Can Make It, which he performed alongside singer Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir.
The gospel-influenced track appeared to reference Smith’s experiences following the Oscar incident.
Prior to the BET Awards, Smith had also made a surprise appearance at Coachella.
His recent musical performances and upcoming Grammy appearance suggest a gradual return to high-profile entertainment events.