Slow Horses ' Will Smith Clarifies He's Not Actor Will Smith at Emmys

Originally appeared on E! Online

Was Will Smith at the 2024 Emmys? Technically no, but there was a Will Smith present.

That was what Slow Horses creator Will Smith had to clarify when he took the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles Sept. 15 accept the award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. (Click here for all the red carpet arrivals and click here for the complete list of winners.)

After beating out The Crown's Peter Morgan and Meriel Sheibani-Clare, Fallout's Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner, Mr. & Mrs. Smith's Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover as well as Shogun writers Justin Marks Rachel Kondo and Caillin Puente for the prize, he noted to the crowd that he was not to be confused for the Oscar-winning actor.

"First of all, relax," the screenwriter began his acceptance speech. "Despite my name, I come in peace."

The remark seemingly referenced the King Richard star's appearance at the 2022 Academy Awards, during which he slapped Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.

So, where was the Men in Black alum during the Emmys? He was spotted hitting up the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix hours before the award show.

More from E! Online

• 2024 Emmys: Why Fans Aren't Happy With Jimmy Kimmel's Bob Newhart In Memoriam Tribute

• Taylor Swift Attends Patrick Mahomes’ Birthday Bash After Chiefs Win

• 2024 Emmys: Pommel Horse Hero Stephen Nedoroscik Lands Gold With Girlfriend Tess McCracken

"Paddock crashin’ with my guy @lewishamilton @lewishamilton (no kidnap this time) and @charles_leclerc @carlossainz55," he wrote in a Sept. 15 Instagram post, tagging the Formula 1 icons. "Have a good race y’all."

But don't discount Smith—the actor, not the writer—from making an Emmys appearance in the future. Though he was hit with a 10-year ban from the Oscars for his behavior toward Rock, he has been making his way to other award shows.

In fact, the Fresh Prince debuted his original song "You Can Make It" during a pyrotechnics-filled performance at the 2024 BET Awards in June. And during the show, Glover—who was up against the other Will Smith at this year's Emmys—joked about the rapper having a similar name to another music superstar.

"I have more Grammys than Will Smith, which makes no sense," he noted at the time. "But I have the same amount of BET Awards as Sam Smith."

And for more Emmy winners, keep reading...

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie

Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series

Outstanding Talk Series

Outstanding Reality Competition Program

Outstanding Drama Series

Outstanding Comedy Series

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

Watch the 2024 Emmys ceremony tonight, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC. And don't miss the Live From E!: Emmys red carpet pre-show starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, only on E!.