Will Smith made his first awards show appearance since the infamous Oscars incident, drawing a mix of applause and criticism. See how fans and critics reacted.

Three years after the shocking moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the Bad Boys actor made his grand return to a major awards show stage at the 2025 Grammys.

Will Smith made his first return to a major televised awards show Sunday evening, appearing at the Grammys to open a tribute to the late Quincy Jones. Smith opened the segment by introducing Herbie Hancock on piano and later introduced “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo,

Will Smith made his first major awards show appearance following the infamous Oscars slap at the 2025 Grammys, and suffice it to say the response was mixed.

Three years after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars, Will Smith returned to an awards show to participate in a tribute to Quincy Jones during Sunday's Grammys. Smith, who won Best Actor at the 2022 Oscars after slapping Rock across the face during the live broadcast,

The reason why Wills inclusion in the show is so surprising: In case you forgot, Will hasnt attended a major award show in nearly three years—that last show being the 2022 Oscars, where he infamously slapped Chris Rock for making an insensitive joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Need a refresh? We gotchu.

The Grammy Awards organizers have been criticized for enabling Will Smith to make his awards show return in a tribute to his mentor Quincy Jones.

Will Smith, Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder and more paid a touching tribute to Quincy Jones at the Grammy Awards.

Will Smith is set to appear at a major awards show for the first time since he slapped Chris Rock on the Oscars stage in 2022, according to TMZ. The site reports that Smith will present at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.