- Posted December 12, 2025
TIME mgazine on Thursday named the ‘Architects of Artificial Intelligence” as the 2025 Person of the Year, with the…
Will Smith and Denzel Washington in 2008; Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
When Will Smith won his first Screen Actors Guild Award Sunday, he received congratulations from his idol, Denzel Washington. The former Fresh Prince was honored for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for King Richard.
“He’s always been a mentor for me and he grabbed me and he said, ‘This is your year,’” Smith told People. “He just hugged me and he said, ‘I’m so happy for you. Just love who you’re becoming,’” he said.
The Independence Day star says Denzel has been a major inspiration for his success.
“I would go to Denzel for