The highly anticipated Academy Awards are set to return in mid-March, marking a significant moment for Will Smith, who caused a global stir last year when he took the stage and slapped host Chris Rock over a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia. This incident unfolded in just a matter of minutes, completely overshadowing the event.
As a result of this incident, during a press conference on March 8th, the show’s creative team announced a new resolution to avoid repeating last year’s shocking situation at the 95th Academy Awards.
“We acknowledge our mistakes, and after that, we moved forward. We don’t want this year to be affected by last year. We are committed to making it a fun event,” said executive producer Molly McNearney.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has implemented a crisis management team to handle unexpected incidents.
“We have assembled a crisis management team – something we haven’t had before – and we have many backup plans in place. We have already rehearsed many scenarios. So, we hope to be ready for anything that might happen. We are developing strategies to prepare for unexpected situations,” noted Kramer.
Regarding the hosting duties, this year’s program will see Jimmy Kimmel ensuring that “no one gets any ideas” under his watch.
Will Smith will also not be able to create any waves as he will be absent from the Oscars for ten years. Typically, the winner of the previous year’s Best Actor award returns to present the Best Actress award. However, due to his actions at the last ceremony, Smith will not have the opportunity to participate this time.
Will Smith’s Reputation Impacted
After Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, Rock has largely avoided addressing the incident directly. However, in his recent special on Netflix, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, the comedian revisited the controversy. Rock spent ten minutes in his set addressing the issue, even referencing Jada’s infidelity with singer August Alsina.
A source told Entertainment Tonight that Smith is aware of Rock’s special and does not intend to retaliate, even as the comedian returns to the topic.
“Will feels terrible and is hurt by what Chris said about him and his family in the special. He hasn’t watched it, but he knows what Chris said through others. Will has apologized to Chris and hopes they can move past this,” the source shared.
Additionally, according to insiders, both Will and Jada watched the discussions surrounding Chris’s special. It’s challenging to avoid as Netflix streams the program.
According to NY Post
