It’s nearly onerous to imagine it, however we’re developing on the one-year anniversary of the 2022 Academy Awards. Other than the awards of the night time, this occasion is probably finest identified for Will Smith slapping presenter Chris Rock on nationwide tv, shortly earlier than being awarded Greatest Actor. There’s been a ton of discourse round how the Academy reacted to this viral occasion, particularly how Smith was permitted to remain for the remainder of the occasion and even settle for an award after the altercation with Rock. And upon additional evaluate, the Academy admitted it didn’t deal with the Oscars slap very properly. Let’s break all of it down.
Will Smith principally broke the web when he slapped Chris Rock, with discourse surrounding final 12 months’s Oscars nonetheless occurring at present. Within the days following, Smith dropped out of the Academy, and was banned from attending the ceremony. However in the course of the latest Oscars Nominees Luncheon (by way of Selection), AMPAS president Janet Yang admitted to some guilt in regards to the dealing with of the Slap final 12 months. As she put it,
I’m certain you all keep in mind we skilled an unprecedented occasion on the Oscars. What occurred onstage was absolutely unacceptable and the response from our group was insufficient. We realized from this that the Academy have to be absolutely clear and accountable in our actions, and significantly in instances of disaster you have to act swiftly, compassionately and decisively for ourselves and for our trade. It is best to and may anticipate no much less from us going ahead.
There you will have it. Whereas Will Smith issued a variety of apologies over his habits on the 2022 Oscars, it feels like he’s not the one one who’s taking duty for what went down in the course of the star-studded occasion final 12 months. The Academy claims that it’s making constructive adjustments, however hopefully no extra violent incidents within the close to future. Though that may seemingly be the time to indicate the work that’s been executed relating to security and self-discipline.
This assertion from Movie Academy president Janet Yang could assist to lastly put an finish to the continuing discourse surrounding Will Smith and The Slap. A full 12 months after that viral second, it ought to be fascinating to see if the 2023 Oscars are in a position to actually step out of the shadow of the Smith of all of it. However good cash says there’s going to be not less than one joke about The Slap all through the course of the upcoming telecast.
As for Will Smith, he’s been within the midst of a protracted and gradual Hollywood comeback. Following just a few months of isolation, he lastly started stepping out in public once more and utilizing social media. And after issuing a variety of apologies over his actions, the latest Oscar winner hit the street to promote the discharge of Antoine Fuqua’s Emancipation. We simply shouldn’t anticipate to see him return to the Academy Awards, presumably for the subsequent 10 years.
The 2023 Academy Awards will air on March twelfth. Will Smith has a variety of tasks coming down the road, and there are even rumors about his position in Aladdin 2. Within the meantime, try the 2023 film launch dates to plan your subsequent film expertise.
