Will Smith has spent decades at the top of the entertainment industry — but his latest role is about helping others rise. Through The Supporting ACT, Smith is turning his spotlight toward the next generation of underrepresented creatives, giving them the tools to step into their own.
Launched in 2023 by Westbrook Inc. — the multimedia company founded by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith — The Supporting ACT is a philanthropic initiative designed to create equity in entertainment. The program provides young artists with mentorship, funding, and hands-on experience to help close the opportunity gap in film, TV, and digital storytelling.
For Smith, this mission is personal. He’s spoken often about the early support he received from mentors and collaborators who believed in his potential. With The Supporting ACT, he’s working to create that same kind of access for youth who may not have the networks or resources to break into the industry.
The program focuses on BIPOC creators, individuals from low-income backgrounds, and youth who have historically been excluded from Hollywood’s inner circles. It pairs funding with professional development and aims to create real pathways — not just one-time opportunities.
In its first year, The Supporting ACT funded multiple independent projects and partnered with nonprofit organizations that support creative education. The goal isn’t just to give aspiring storytellers a seat at the table — it’s to change who gets to tell the story in the first place.
Will Smith’s commitment to this work reflects a broader shift in his legacy. By helping open the doors for the next wave of talent, he’s proving that the most lasting impact comes from lifting others up.
Source: The Supporting ACT