When British writer Will Smith, the showrunner for the Apple TV series Slow Horses, came to the stage last night to accept an Emmy award, he joked, "Despite my name, I come in peace." Smith's joke referred to the tension that resulted from the infamous "slap" incident involving the other Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars. The light intro got some laughs, serving to defuse the jolt of the unexpected reference to one of Hollywood's hottest controversies.
Slow Horses' Will Smith Steals the Show
Though less well-known than the actor that shares his name, Will Smith is a prolific writer and comedian. He won at the Emmys for outstanding writing in a drama series for Slow Horses, an Apple TV hit now in its fourth season. In his speech, he thanked author Mick Herron, whose Slough House book series the show was based on; European TV executive Jay Hunt; his writing team; and the actors on the show, including Gary Oldman.
Will Smith isn't a stranger to the limelight, but many people are suggesting the one recently surrounding his name was arguably the biggest. He has been responsible for writing many laugh-packed comedies, including episodes of Veep and the British political satire The Thick of It. Smith's sharp wit and piercing comments on politics and society have appealed to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. His Emmy win is in some ways a recognition that he is at the forefront of the scribes of television writing.
The Looming Shadow Of "The Slap"
During his speech, Will Smith highlighted his comedic talents by referencing the infamous Oscars incident that had sent shockwaves across Hollywood in 2022. During that Oscars ceremony, actor Will Smith came up on stage and slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Pinkett-Will Smith's alopecia-induced baldness. That was a serious event, while at the Emmys, it was light-hearted. That was needed somehow, in that it even made an extremely uncomfortable event in awards ceremony history a real point of laughter.
This reference shows just how the acting industry knows when to have its serious, sensitive moments and when and how to hit the funny bone. Will Smith brought this reference up at a time to lighten the mood and remind people who he was. He managed to distance himself from all the controversy with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the impact his name had.
Will Smith's Unique Path Forward
Despite everything else the other Will Smith has gotten up to, this Will Smith's win at the Emmys will hopefully go a long way in showcasing how talented he is and how incredible Slow Horses is. Smith says that he hopes in his future endeavors to tell stories that make people laugh and think using his clear comedic voice. Last night's Emmy ceremony will turn out to be one of recuperation and laughter because Will Smith taught everybody that what seems to be the most tense and awkward moments can be flipped around with just the right touch of humor into unison and celebration.
Conclusion
With his characteristic grace and humor, Will Smith reminded everyone at last night's Emmys that although names may carry history, it's up to each individual person to carve their own path. His success as a writer on Slow Horses and other shows, as well as his notably shrewd way with words, prove that Will Smith has absolutely made a name for himself: his own.
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