Columbia PicturesWill Smith is one of the biggest movie stars of all time, and the 2016 MTV Movie Awards will honor his legacy by presenting him with the Generation Award. Smith, known for roles in blockbusters like Independence Day, Men in Black and Bad Boys, can next be seen in the movie Suicide Squad. Given that it's the awards show's 25th anniversary, it's only right that it's being done "Big Willie Style."
"Will Smith and MTV have grown up together and share a very cool history," executive producer Casey Patterson tells E! News in a statement. "MTV was a part of every phase of Will's career and he has been a huge part of what defined the MTV culture from the beginning. From TV's The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, to his music and amazing movies, Will is the voice of a generation and not afraid to use it. The 25th anniversary of the Movie Awards is the perfect year to honor #BIGWILLIE as only MTV can—with lots of big surprises in store."
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kevin Hart will host this year's event, and Johnson shared his excitement for Smith via Instagram Thursday. "When I first broke into Hollywood 15yrs ago, all I wanted to do was learn the business and put in the hard work to have a career like his," he wrote. "It's a real privilege to honor you my friend. #WeAreStillPuttinInTheWork #BigWillieStyle #MovieAwards #GenerationAward."
Smith is a 17-time MTV Movie Awards nominee, taking home the Golden Popcorn five times. He also hosted the 1994 MTV Movie Awards.
The 2016 MTV Movie Awards airs Sunday, Apr. 10, at 8 p.m. ET.