Will Smith to headline 2024 BET Awards

Will Smith, a global icon known for his dynamic career spanning music, TV, and film, is gearing up for a triumphant return to the BET Awards stage this Sunday, June 30, 2024. Despite being sidelined from Academy Award events until 2032 due to his infamous 2022 Oscars incident, Smith will headline the BET Awards with a debut performance of a new original song.
Smith, 55, has a storied history with the BET Awards, having previously hosted alongside his wife Jada Pinkett Smith in 2005 and securing three wins for Best Actor over the years, most recently for his portrayal in "King Richard" (2022).
Connie Orlando, EVP of BET, expressed excitement about Smith’s return, stating, "From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage. We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.”
This appearance marks another major TV event for Smith following his reunion performance with DJ Jazzy Jeff on CBS’s "A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop." Smith's latest film, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," has also been a hit at the box office, grossing nearly $147 million since its release in June 2024.
The BET Awards promise a star-studded lineup with performances by GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, Victoria Monét, and a special performance by Tanner Adell on the BET Amplified stage.
Taraji P. Henson will return as host for the third consecutive year, while Usher is set to receive BET’s lifetime achievement award. Notably absent from the honorees is Will Smith, despite his illustrious career.
BET celebrates its annual awards show, established since 2001, as “the ultimate platform to showcase the best, brightest and most beautiful aspects of the Black experience — honoring the present and future of Black music, creativit and sportsmanship, by celebrating the culture and being a driving force for social change.”
Drake leads the 2024 nominations with seven nods, followed closely by Nicki Minaj with six. The event, which celebrates Black music, creativity, and sportsmanship, will air live on BET at 8 p.m. ET/PT, showcasing the best of the Black experience and its influence on global culture.
BET’s annual awards show has been a cornerstone for honoring Black excellence since its inception in 2001, continuing to highlight pivotal figures and driving social change within the community.
Smith's journey in the spotlight has been marked by numerous accolades and milestones, including an Academy Award for his transformative role in "King Richard." While his Oscars controversy sparked widespread debate, his resilience and contributions to both music and film continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
As the BET Awards approach, all eyes will be on Smith as he returns to the stage, ready to deliver yet another unforgettable performance and reaffirm his status as a cultural icon.