Will Smith made headlines once again during the 2025 Grammy Awards, weeks after much speculation about his public return following one of Hollywood's most shocking incidents. The actor, who last took the stage of notoriety at the 2022 Oscars, resurfaced at the Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025, to present awards on one of the biggest nights of the music industry.
Smith has navigated turbulent waters since the Oscars where he slapped comedian Chris Rock after Rock's insensitive joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has been candid about her struggle with alopecia. This moment not only stunned audiences but also led to Smith's lengthy ban from the Oscars, prohibiting him from future attendance until 2032. Yet, his presence at the Grammys brought whispers of redemption as he smiled and engaged with attendees, sharply contrasting the tension of past events.
While Smith appeared to be all smiles on the Grammy's red carpet, much of the evening's early buzz stemmed from comedian Jimmy Kimmel's sharp-witted comments during his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kimmel wasted no time addressing the previous night's events, particularly focusing on Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, embroiled in controversy with her nearly naked red carpet attire. Kimmel referred to West as "a rodent" for his sudden appearance solely for the Grammys, and noted the hectic media environment surrounding celebrity fashion choices.
Kimmel's commentary struck at the crux of changing norms surrounding celebrity appearances. “This shows you just how much times have changed. Before [Donald] Trump, this would have been our whole monologue tonight,” he remarked, highlighting the rapid shifts of societal outrage. Kimmel compared the present day, where scandals such as Censori’s barely-there dress barely caused ripples, to the outrage faced by Janet Jackson during the 2004 Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction.
One of Kimmel’s most talked-about moments was his jab at Smith, implying the actor missed the opportunity to redeem himself if he had slapped West instead. "All he had to do was run out on the red carpet and slap Kanye. I think all would be forgiven. He would be hosting the Oscars next year," he quipped, sparking discussions on social media. This commentary resurfaced sentiments around not just Smith’s past actions, but also the effects of celebrity culture and the public's appetite for sensationalism.
The discourse surrounding the event emphasized both the absurdity and the relativity of fame today. Such discussions provoke questions—have we as viewers become numb to one celebrity's misdeeds, overshadowed by the next scandal? And is Kimmel’s humor simply the reflection of our chaotic consumption of entertainment news? Comments about Kimmel's style ranged from criticism for being too harsh to praise for his comedic sharpness, showing just how divisive celebrity discussions can be.
Smith’s appearance at the Grammys also celebrated personal milestones; his daughter, Willow Smith, garnered two Grammy nominations this year, marking her significant achievement. It seemed fitting for him to support her at such pivotal moments of recognition amid his reconciliation with public life. Fans and critics alike pondered if this could signal the start of Smith's reformation after the tumultuous events had plagued his personal brand.
Though Smith's return to award shows marks a new chapter, one can’t forget the imprint the Oscars incident has left on Hollywood. Many are curious to see how the industry will respond to calls for accountability and emotional literacy, treating both the accolades and the individuals behind them with the respect they deserve.
With Kimmel’s comments reverberated through social media, the 2025 Grammys were not just about the celebrations of music, they held up the mirror to celebrity behaviours and the occasionally surreal nature of public personas. What remains clear is the influence award shows retain as platforms for not just music but commentary on the ever-evolving narrative surrounding fame, decorum, and what it means to 'perform'—be it onstage or off.