Will Smith: From Blockbuster to Oscar Contender

10 months ago 12th Jan 13:46

Will Smith is one of Hollywood's most popular and successful actors with eight consecutive films that have grossed over $100 million at the American box office.

And while he may be Mr Blockbuster with roles such as Independence Day, Hancock and Men In Black under his belt more recently we have seen a more serious side to the star which has seen him move from all action hero to serious Oscar contender.

Rising to fame as rapper the Fresh Prince at the back end of the eighties before moving into acting with the well known role William "Will" Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

But it wasn't long before movie studios came knocking although he had appeared in Made in America and Six Degrees of Separation his first big movie role cam as Detective Mike Lowrey in Bad Boys.

He followed this up with Independence Day, Men In Black and Enemy of the State roles which cemented him as an all out American hero and great leading man.

But then his career took a turn down a different path as he left behind the big budget blockbuster to take on the role of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann's biographical film Ali in 2001.

Despite receiving mixed reviews with the critics Smith's lead performance as Ali earnt him his first Best Actor OScar nomination, losing out to Denzel Washington in Training Day.