‘Slow Horses’ Writer Will Smith Wins Emmy, Doesn’t Slap Anyone: “Despite My Name, I Come In Peace”

Did Will Smith just win an Emmy? Well, yes, but maybe not the Will Smith you are likely thinking of.

The Best Writing for a Drama Series category at the 76th Emmy Awards featured writers from The Crown, Fallout, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Shōgun, and Slow Horses.

The writer nominated on behalf of the Apple TV+ thriller series, who ultimately won, happens to share a name with the King Richard star, who has been ingrained in awards show history after infamously slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, prompting him to resign from he Academy shortly afterwards. However, tonight’s honoree took the opportunity and ran with it, creating a priceless moment at Sunday night’s awards ceremony.

“First of all, relax. Despite my name, I come in peace,” he quipped, eliciting some laughs from the audience.

Tonight’s award marked Smith’s third Emmy win, the first of which he earned for being on Veep‘s producing team. Other writing credits of Smith’s include The Thick of It, Damned, and Avenue 5.

Smith was presented his award by Mekhi Phifer, Mindy Kaling, and Zach Braff. In his speech, Smith thanked author Mick Herron, whose books inspired the series, as well as several members of the Slow Horses cast and crew, including series star Gary Oldman — who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Jackson Lamb — and producer Jane Robertson.

His wife and kids also got a shoutout, as he sweetly told his children, “Daddy got a trophy.”