Featured Image Credit: Neilson Barnard via Getty Images
Topics: Will Smith, Oscars, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Film, TV and Film, Celebrity
Michael Slavin
Topics: Will Smith, Oscars, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Film, TV and Film, Celebrity
Who doesn’t remember where they were when they heard that Will Smith had, at the Oscars, in front of millions of people, walked on stage and smacked the sh*t out of Chris Rock?
This came after Rock made a joke about Smiths’ wife Jada Pinkett Smith, referring to her as G.I. Jane, taking a dig at the 53-year-old actress’ alopecia.
As a result, Smith was banned from the Oscars and any Academy-related event for ten years.
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But what would happen if Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar next year or simply before his ban ended?
Looking at his future projects it doesn’t look like any of his roles are bang on for the award, whether that be I Am Legend 2, Hancock 2, or a remake of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with Kevin Hart, but weirder things have happened.
Hollywood famously loves a comeback and at times has short memories around controversy, so it's not inconceivable that Will Smith could follow up his win for Best Actor for King Richard with another nomination at some point.
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This was actually his third nomination, having previously missed out on winning Best Actor for The Pursuit of Happyness and Ali.
If Smith does end up getting nominated for a future film however, there is nothing preventing this from happening.
The Washington Post have previously reported on the fact that, though he is banned from events for ten years, he isn’t banned from being a potential nominee, despite his resignation from The Academy.
If he does get nominated though, Smith will not be able to attend or accept his award in person or virtually.
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The wording of his ban, announced in a public letter released by senior members of the Academy, said: “The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”
The letter also said: “This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy.
“We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
Smith addressed the incident in a YouTube video in which he apologised to Chris Rock, saying: “There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment.
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“There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.
“It’s like, you know, I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris.
“Jada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, babe. I want to say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us.”