When Will Smith talks about Dubai, it doesn’t sound like a celebrity talking about a favorite travel destination. It sounds personal. Ahead of the Middle East premiere of Pole to Pole with Will Smith, the Oscar-winning actor opened up about how the city played an unexpected role in reshaping his mindset and relationship with fear. “I wake up when I land in Dubai,” Smith said. “I’m ready to create.” That energy, he explained, comes from a moment that changed him years ago. Skydiving over Dubai in his forties.

Photo Credit: people

For most people, skydiving is a bucket-list thrill. For Smith, it was something deeper. He admitted he had always lived with fear beneath the surface, even at the height of fame. The jump forced him to confront it head-on. “I was trying to open myself up,” he shared. “That jump changed something inside me.”

Phot Credit: Billboard

Will Smith has been visiting Dubai for nearly three decades, long before the skyline became what it is today. He remembers a city full of cranes and ambition, still becoming itself. Watching that transformation left a mark on him.
“There’s a spirit here,” he said. “Dubai feels like a second home.”

That same spirit is echoed in Pole to Pole, the National Geographic docuseries that pushes Smith into extreme environments, from icy landscapes to the Himalayas. One moment stayed with him deeply. At 14,000 feet, struggling to move, he watched a 70-year-old woman walk past him with ease. “It taught me how much we underestimate ourselves,” he said. “The human body, the human mind, can adapt far beyond what we think.”
But the real lesson wasn’t physical. It was emotional.“Fear blocks beauty,” Smith explained. “If you’re afraid, you can’t fully experience life. Not nature. Not relationships. Not happiness.”
That philosophy is why Dubai resonates with him. A city built on bold decisions, big visions, and the refusal to accept limits mirrors the journey he’s been on personally.

Photo Credit: News Center Maine

He spoke openly about being inspired by the vision behind Dubai’s rise.
“I feel like I was in charge of something here in another life,” he laughed.
When asked about his favorite cities in the world, his answer was immediate.
“Miami and Dubai,” he said. “The moment I land here, I feel alive.”
For Will Smith, Dubai is a reminder, a challenge to keep choosing courage over comfort. Fear isn’t ignored in his story. It’s faced. And then left behind.
And that, he says, is why he keeps coming back.

Read Next Post: The Biggest Snubs and Surprises at the 2026 Actor Awards Nominations

Emporio Armani has appointed supermodel Kendall Jenner as its new global fragrance ambassador, set to front the upcoming Power of You Eau de Parfum campaign, Jenner’s debut campaign for the brand is scheduled to launch in February 2026.

“Joining the Emporio Armani family was a total no-brainer. I’ve always loved that they empower you to just be who you are. The Power of You Eau de Parfum scent is everything, it’s magnetic, rich, and feels really sensual,” Jenner said.

Kendall Jenner X Emporio Amarni — Instagram

Jenner first rose to public prominence on E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007.  Her career accelerated after a breakthrough appearance at Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2014 show. Since then, she has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Allure, and has walked for major global fashion houses across couture, ready-to-wear, and lingerie.

In a joint statement, Armani highlighted Jenner’s refined runway presence and entrepreneurial discipline across fashion, beauty, and business. In 2023, she became a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, fronting major makeup campaigns including True Match and Panorama Mascara.

Kendall Jenner X Emporio Amarni — Instagram

Beyond modeling, Jenner is the founder of 818 Tequila, an award-winning brand with multiple international awards. The company supports sustainable initiatives, including 1% for the Planet and the 818 Bricks Program, which repurposes agave byproducts into building materials.

With this partnership, Jenner joins a roster of Emporio Armani ambassadors, including Cate Blanchett, Sydney Sweeney, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jackson Wang.

see also: Kendall Jenner and Perfumer Ben Gorham Spotted Spending Time Together in Los Angeles

Timothée Chalamet took home the Best Actor award for his role in Marty Supreme, where he portrays a professional table tennis player chasing the 1952 world championship.

Photo Credit: E ! News

During his acceptance speech, Chalamet made headlines for a rare public shout-out to his partner, Kylie Jenner. “Thank you to my partner of three years,” he said, addressing Jenner from the stage. “Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” The 28-year-old reality star was clearly moved, mouthing “I love you, too” back to him as the audience applauded. The pair sealed the night with a tender kiss, that was widely shared online.

Photo Credit: ELLE

Chalamet’s win came after he beat out tough competition, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura, highlighting just how significant this victory was for the actor. This was Chalamet’s fourth Critics Choice nomination. He had previously been recognized for “A Complete Unknown” (2025), “Beautiful Boy” (2019), and “Call Me By Your Name” (2018).

Photo Credit: Harper’s BAZAAR

Marty Supreme has been a long-term project for Chalamet, who said he embraced every aspect of promotion and publicity in the spirit of his character. It’s a story about chasing your dreams,” he told IndieWire, explaining how committed he was to sharing Marty Mauser’s journey with viewers.

Read Next Post: Full List of Winners at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards