Will Smith wins Emmy, jokes about not being that Will Smith: 'Despite my name, I come in peace'

Will Smith took home a trophy at the 2024 Emmys — but it's not the Will Smith you're thinking of.

Smith, an English comedian and screenwriter, won the award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, and took the opportunity to joke about people confused by his name.

"First of all, relax," Smith said. "Despite my name, I come in peace." 

For those living under a rock, that was a years-late reference to the other Will Smith's incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, where the Men in Black star slapped Chris Rock in the middle of the ceremony after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's baldness. That unexpected stint landed the other Smith a 10-year ban from the Oscars. (No word on whether the other Will Smith is welcome at the Emmys, though.)

Smith used the rest of his time to thank his collaborators and family for their support. He beat Fallout, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Crown, and two episodes of Shogun to take home the award.

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In the Emmys press room, Smith discussed his reasoning for making the reference to his name doppelganger. "I thought it was best to acknowledge it," he said. "I know it’s a name that strikes terror in the hearts of many."

Smith previously won back-to-back Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2015 and 2016 as part of the writing staff for Veep. He is also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series this year for Slow Horses.

Slow Horses also received nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Gary Oldman, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Jack Lowden, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. It also received noms at the Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Jonathan Pryce, Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series.

With reporting by Sydney Bucksbaum.