Will Smith Honored With The Generation Award At MTV Movie Awards

Actor Will Smith boycotted the Oscars this year, but he had no problem gracing the MTV Movie Awards Saturday night to accept a special honor.

The music channel feted Smith with its The Generation Award, celebrating his nearly 25-year movie career.

"When I first heard MTV wanted to give me the award I thought that was code for the old ass dude award - hey congrats the best work is behind you," Smith quipped during his speech.

Co-host Kevin Hart turned serious for a moment before introducing Smith, gushing about how he was inspired by the "Concussion" star.

Lonely Island, Adam Samberg's fake boy band, serenaded the award winner with a medley of his rap hits, including "Men in Black," "Summertime" and "Getting Jiggy With It."

"There isn't more talented and more generous to our community," Queen Latifah said in her introduction.

Halle Berry called him, "the voice of an entire generation."

"With every performance you see his soul," said Berry. "That same boundless spirit is evident not just on screen but in his family life and charitable work.

"Will is a champion for diversity in Hollywood blazing the path for actors by showing someone of any color, can play any role, can open any movie and can win every award; and be the biggest freaking movie star in the whole world. I love you Will Smith."

Smith then got his chance to join the lovefest and reflect on his legacy.

"I was in Brooklyn the other day..and these women came running out, they were like, 35 40 years old and they were saying 'Oh my God, Will, yeah, come on lets get a little Snap Chat,'" he said, "and one kid eight years old said 'Oh my God I don't know who you are'.

"I leaned down and I said, 'I am the Karate Kid's dad,' and he was like 'that is Jaden's dad.'

The star of "Ali" and "Bad Boys" ditched the comedy and went for the drama.

"I am humbled and I want al of you I am dedicated to be a light in this world," said Smith. "Every day when I wake up I want to help people, I want to display love and play roles that have dignity and I want to help in this world."

The rapper-turned-actor and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, skipped the Academy Awards in February protesting a second straight year in which Oscar voters did not nominate a single actor of color.

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