Will Smith has apologized for slapping Chris Rock at Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony, saying his behavior was ‘unacceptable and inexcusable’ and left him ’embarrassed’.
In an Instagram posting, the 53-year old wrote that he felt ’embarrassed by his actions’, shocking producers, viewers and attendees at the ceremony.
He wrote, “Violence of all its forms is poisonous. It’s destructive.”
My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and completely unacceptable. Although jokes are part and parcel of my job, the joke about Jada’s health was beyond me. I felt compelled to react emotionally.
Chris, I would like to publicly apologise to you. It was a mistake and it was my fault. It is embarrassing that my actions did not represent the man I desire to become. Violence is out of place in an environment that values love and kindness.
Smith later apologized to both the producers and organizers of the event.
Will Smith punched Chris Rock in the face at the Oscars after the comedian had made a joke regarding his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith apologized Monday
Rock covers his face after being punched in the head, and then announces the winner for best documentary after an awkward pause
Smith was pictured celebrating his Oscar win on Sunday night, in an event that was overshadowed somewhat by his actions
He expressed his regret to Serena Williams and Venus Williams families.
Smith, who played their father Richard in the film “Slapping Rock”, won the best actor Award. But Smith’s assault overshadowed their story.
Will Smith’s Oscar could be revoked? The Academy must respond to pressure from MeToo Movement star who broke the Code of Conduct
Late Sunday night, the Academy posted a tweet disapproval for violence of any kind.
There are calls for the Academy to strip Will Smith of his Best Actor Oscar after he walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock who was presenting an award on stage, after making a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair.
In its Code of Conduct, the Academy is well-known for having a negative view on violence of all kinds.
The Academy condemned violence in any form after the awards ceremony. Today we celebrate the Academy Awards winners 94th, who are deserving of this recognition from movie buffs around the world.
In 2017, the Me Too Movement saw the Academy reinstate its Code of Conduct.
‘Academy membership is a privilege offered to only a select few within the global community of filmmakers,’ AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson wrote to members following various scandals in the industry.
The Dolby Theatre witnessed complete confusion after Sunday’s assault. Those present were initially unsure if it was a stunt.
It took a few moments for the normally unflappable Rock to process but the colorful language from Smith quickly confirmed it wasn’t any kind of joke at all.
As a result, the Oscars broadcast was thrown into chaos. The producers had to scramble to figure out how to handle the assault on the air. Smith is still waiting to get his Best Actor statuette.
Richard Williams, who is the Oscar-winner in King Richard, stated after the attack that violence was unacceptable.
Chavoita leSane was Williams’ son. However, we do not condone any person hitting someone else except in self defense.
Smith responded, “I would like to also apologize to Academy, producers, all of those who attended, as well as everyone around the world for their show,” Smith explained.
“I apologize to my King Richard Family and the Williams Family.
“I am deeply sorry that I have caused damage to what was a wonderful journey for everyone.
The Philadelphia-born actor concluded: ‘I am a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.’
Smith’s apology was made as Monday’s Oscars presentation group condemned Smith and announced that they had begun a formal investigation into the incident, which cast a shadow on the award ceremony.
Smith took to the stage in live broadcast and hit Rock with his fist after Smith made jokes about Smith’s wife.
Smith’s meltdown continued when he returned to his seat as he repeatedly screamed: ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth’.
As it was clear that the attack wasn’t staged, stunned silence fell on the crowd.
Rock responded to his question by saying, “I’m going too. Okay?”
Then he laughed out loud, declaring: “That was the greatest television night ever.”
Directors muted Smith’s sweary tirade because of slight delays in live streaming.
However, it was shown in its entirety for international audiences. In fact the clip has already been viewed over a million times via YouTube and social media in just a few hours.
Smith received the Best Actor award just over 30 minutes later and then apologized.
As he held his Oscar statuette, a weeping Smith stated in his acceptance speech: “Love makes you do crazy stuff.”
‘YSmith stated that you must be capable of taking abuse and can make people crazy about you.
“In business you have to be comfortable with people being disrespectful of you. You’ve got to smile, and pretend that it’s okay.
I was listening to Denzel (Washington) say something that had just happened: “At the highest moment be careful.” The devil is waiting for you at that moment.
“It’s almost like I’d love to be your vessel of love.
I want to express my gratitude to Venus, Serena and the entire Williams family. Thanks to Venus and Serena Williams and to the whole Williams family, I would like to express my gratitude for giving me your story. This is what I desire to do. This is why I’m a passionate ambassador for that type of love, care, and concern.
He continued: “I apologize to Academy. I also apologize to all of my fellow nominees.
‘Art imitates life. They said that I looked like the insane father. Like Richard Williams said, I am the crazy dad. Love will inspire you to do amazing things.
He continued, “I am hoping that the Academy will invite me back.” We are grateful.
Pinkett Smith has spoken out about her battle with alopecia. This is when hair follicles are attacked by the immune system and results in hair loss. This condition affects approximately 700,000.
Will Smith laughed initially at Jada’s haircut. This was a Demi Moore line in GI Jane. His wife was unhappy, and she rolled her eyes.
After smacking Rock, a now visibly fuming Smith returned to his seat and began repeatedly yelling: ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth’. Many initially believed that such an outrageous act must have been part of the show, but Lupita Nyong’o was one among them baffled.
Smith and Pinkett Smith stood hand in hand throughout the event, which ended with a shock slap. Denzel Washington was the peacemaker
Smith sobbed as he accepted the best actor award. He did apologize for the violence, but he didn’t say sorry to Chris Rock.
Smith was able to laugh at his wife during the awards season.
Rebel Wilson was the host at the BAFTAs London two weeks ago and targeted them when he received the Leading Actor award. He played King Richard in the BAFTAs London.
The assembled audience at the Royal Albert Hall, which didn’t include the star who stayed in LA, groaned as she said his ‘best performance in the past year was being OK with all his wife’s boyfriends’ – a nod to Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s open relationship.
After he admitted that he had never believed in a traditional marriage and claimed his wife was having an affair, he made the decision to do so. Rock’s joke and his reaction to it may be why he was so sensitive about the matter.
Journalists covering the awards ceremony from the press area were instructed not to ask any attendees about Smith slapping Rock, according to BBC correspondent David Sillito.
On Sunday evening, the LAPD made a statement indicating that Rock has not yet filed a police complaint against Smith. However, police will still investigate Smith’s request if necessary.
The statement stated that the LAPD’s investigative agencies were aware of an incident involving two people during Academy Awards. “The incident was one person slapping the other.”
Smith’s outburst was unclear whether or not the Academy would punish him.
On Monday, 9,900 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement condemning Mr. Smith’s conduct at the last night’s broadcast.
“We have now officially begun an official review of the incident. We will investigate further action and consequences in compliance with our Bylaws. Standards of Conduct. California law,” the academy said.
According to the group’s conduct policies, it’s ‘categorically against any form of abuse harassment or discrimination’. It also expects its members to respect human dignity and inclusion and foster creativity.
According to the policy, violations can result in expulsion or suspension from the group or revocations of Oscars or the loss of eligibility for future Awards.
Marshall Herskovitz (president emeritus of Producers Guild of America) was one of the first to criticize Smith. She tweeted that Smith had ‘disgraced all of our community’ shortly after the attack.
He declared: “I summon the Academy of which I am also a member to initiate disciplinary action against Will Smith.” He has disgraced the entire community.
Herskovitz accused the defenders of the actor, of moral cowardice.
After the Oscar assault, people stood up and applauded. He spoke out against moral cowardice.
Smith’s actions were condemned by a number of Hollywood actors.
Alec Baldwin condemned Smith’s behaviour on Instagram and Twitter.
He said, “I’m sorry that the Oscars became the Jerry Springer Show,”
Will quickly added another comment to an Instagram post shortly after the incident, stating: “You cannot invite people from Philly and Baltimore anywhere.”
After the drama with Rock dominated his Oscar win, Jada Pinkett Smith was joined by Will Smith.
Jada Pinkett Smith (left), Willow Smith, Jaden Smith, Jaden Smith, Jaden Smith, Jaden Smith, Jaden Smith, and Trey Smith attended the Vanity Fair post Oscar party
After his dramatic moment was ruined by his violent outburst, the actor kept his cool for photographers
Smith can be seen dancing and cheering among fellow stars at the Vanity Fair party.
Smith celebrated the best achievement in his life, Best Actor at The Oscars.
Will Smith heard what Denzel Washington said to him as Bradley Cooper and Bradley Cooper attempted to calm him during the Oscars commercial break.
Denzel Washington is smiling while he takes Will Smith’s emotionally charged Will Smith to his front row seat at the Dolby Theatre
Bradley Cooper and Will Smith hugged one another after Smith had punched Rock at Sunday’s Oscars
Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington could be seen consoling Will Smith after he smacked presenter Chris Rock in the face in a shocking moment during the Oscars live broadcast on Sunday night.
Rock joked about Smith’s hairstyle, referencing the film ‘G.I. Joe’. Jane, in which Demi Moor shaved the head.
Smith has alopecia, and this joke didn’t seem to go down well with Smith.
Smith, who fifteen minutes later won best actor for King Richard, walked on stage and slapped Rock in what at first appeared to be a scripted joke, but the mood turned to shock moments later when Smith, back in his front row seat, shouted ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.’
During his acceptance speech, Smith revealed what Washington had told him during the commercial break: ‘ Be careful at your highest moment… that’s when the devil comes for you.’
Later in the commercial, Smith was consoled further by Tyler Perry’s and Bradley Cooper. Bradley Cooper placed his hands on Smith as he tried to comfort him.
Smith was just minutes away from striking Rock live with an open fist, when he won his first Academy Award. Smith played Richard Williams in King Richard, his determined father, who helped raise tennis champions Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
Smith accepted the award and offered a sincere apology to Academy for his outburst. This is a wonderful moment.
Judd Apatow (comedian, director) called the performance ‘pure-out-of control violence and rage’. He claimed Smith “could’ have killed” Rock.
He said, “Seems like Will Smith’s plan to get comedians and the rest of the world not to make fun of him isn’t going to work out.”
“The Williams family should be furious. Pure narcissism.’
Rob Reiner, actor and director tweeted that Will Smith owes Chris Rock an enormous apology. It is impossible to excuse what he did.
He’s fortunate Chris didn’t file assault charges. The excuses he made tonight were bulls**t’.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill described it as the “ugliest Oscar Moment ever.”
He said, “Stand-up comedians are extremely adept at dealing with hecklers.” Violent physical violence…not so much.
Smith declared Monday morning that ‘you cannot invite people from Philly and Baltimore anywhere’, as he repeated his astonishing decision to take to the stage.
He shared it with a photo of himself and his wife prior to the ceremony. This was in reference to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland, his birthplaces.
Rock was not seen in the aftermath of the attack. An insider told us that he has been offered an “package” which includes a counselor if he requires one.
Los Angeles Police Department has informed the comedian that he doesn’t want to press charges.
Smith was supported by others to defend his wife.
“That’s what your husband should do,” you say. Tiffany Haddish from People magazine said, ‘Protect you!
Smith accepted the award for best actor and apologized to Rock and the academy. He expressed his hope that he would again be invited to the Oscars.
Film academy members can be revoked, although it’s not common.
Harvey Weinstein, the producer of The Producer was kicked out in 2017, after three women accused him sexually assaulting them. Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby were expelled in 2018.
Cosby, who was later convicted for drugging and assaulting a female victim in 2004, was overthrown by a judge.
Polanski admitted that he had illegal sex in a relationship with a thirteen-year-old girl.
Producers of Oscars had hoped for an unforgettable night to recover from the record-low ratings in 2012 during the COVID-19 epidemic. Beyonce opened the show and edited some acceptance speeches.
Smith’s outburst was the highlight of the evening, and pictures and videos ricocheting around social media.
According to preliminary estimates, television viewership increased sharply between last year and this year to 15.36 million. This was a 56 per cent increase over 2021.
The best picture award went to the movie “CODA”, a feel-good film. This marks a major turning point for Hollywood, as the film was streamed via Apple TV+ and not going only to theatres.
Two anonymous representatives from industry claimed that there was serious discussion about Smith’s removal from the Dolby Theater following his attack on Rock.
However, time was running out as the award for best actor was quickly approaching according to one source. The newspaper also reported that stakeholders were divided on the way forward.
OSCARS 2022 – WINNERS
BEST PICTURE
Belfast (Focus Features).
Coda (Apple), WINNER
You Don’t Need to Look Up (Netflix).
Drive My Car (Janus Films/Sideshow).
Dune (Warner Bros).
King Richard (Warner Bros)
Licorice Pizza (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Nightmare Alley (Searchlight Pictures).
The Power Of The Dog (Netflix).
West Side Story (20th Century Studios)
Histories: Coda was the first streaming movie to ever win Best Picture, when it defeated The Power Of The Dog
Actress IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Jessie Buckley – The Lost Daughter
Ariana DeBose – West Side Story – WINNER
Judi Dench – Belfast
Kirsten Dunst- The Power Of The Dog
Aunjanue Ellis – King Richard
ACTORENTER A SUPPORTING ROLE
Ciaran Hinds – Belfast
Troy Kotsur – Coda – WINNER
Jesse Plemons: The Power Of The Dog
J.K Simmons – Being the Ricardos
Kodi McPhee – The Power Of The Dog
Incredible: Troy Kotsur won the Oscar for Coda as the first male actor
COSTUME DESIGN
Cruella (Jenny Beavan) – WINNER
Cyrano (Massimo Cantini Parrini)
Dune (Jacqueline West)
Nightmare Alley by Luis Sequeira
West Side Story by Paul Tazewell
SOUND ACHIEVEMENT
Belfast
Dune – WINNER
No Time To Die
The Power Of The Dog
West Side Story
SCORE ORIGINAL
Don’t Look Up (Nicholas Britell)
Dune (Hans Zimmer) – WINNER
Encanto (Germaine Franco)
Parallel Mothers (Alberto Iglesias).
Jonny Greenwood, The Power of the Dog
ADAPTED SKEEPPLAY
CODA (Sian Heder) – WINNER
Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi & Takamasa Oe)
Dune (Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts & Denis Villeneuve)
The Lost Daughter by Maggie Gyllenhaal
Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog
Shining moment: Sian Heder earned Best Adapted screenplay for the film as it went three for three on the night
ORIGINAL SWITCHPLAY
Belfast (Kenneth Branagh) – WINNER
Don’t Look Up (Adam McKay & David Sirota)
Licorice Pizza (Paul Thomas Anderson)
King Richard (Zach Baylin)
The Worst Person in the World (Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt)
A ANIMATE SHORT FILM
The Affairs of the Heart
Bestia
Box Ballet
Robin Robin
Windshield Wiper-WINNER
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILMS
Ala Kachuu — Take and Run
The Dress
The Long Goodbye-WINNER
In My Head
Please Remain Steady
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FOLM
Drive My Car-WINNER
Flee
God’s Hand
Lunana: The Yak of the Classroom
The World’s Worst Person
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Dune (Zsuzsanna Sipos & Patrice Vermette) – WINNER
Nightmare Alley (Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau)
The Power of the Dog (Grant Major & Amber Richards)
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Stefan Dechant & Nancy Haigh)
West Side Story (Rena DeAngelo & Adam Stockhausen)
A LEADERING ROLE AS ACTOR
Javier Bardem – Being the Ricardos
Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog
Andrew Garfield – tick, tick… BOOM!
Will Smith – King Richard – WINNER
Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye – WINNER
Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter
Penélope Cruz – Parallel Mothers
Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos
Kristen Stewart – Spencer
All eyes on her: Jessica Chastain finally won her first Best Actress trophy for her titular role in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
DIRECTING
Kenneth Branagh – Belfast
Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza
Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog – WINNER
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi – Drive My Car
Steven Spielberg – West Side Story
FILM EDITING
Don’t Look Up (Hank Corwin)
Dune (Joe Walker) – WINNER
King Richard (Pamela Martin)
Power of the Dog (Peter Sciberras).
Tick, Tick… Boom! (Myron Kerstein & Andrew Weisblum)
MAKEUP & HAIR TTYLING
Come 2 America
Cruella
Dune
The Eyes of Tammy Faye-WINNER
House Of Gucci
ANIMATED FEATURE FILMS
Encanto – WINNER
Flee
Luca
The Machine VS The Mitchells
Raya and the Lost Dragon
ORIGINAL SONG
Be Alive — Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & Darius Scott (King Richard)
Dos Oruguitas — Lin-Manuel Miranda (Encanto)
Down to Joy — Van Morrison (Belfast)
No Time to Die — Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell (No Time to Die) – WINNER
Somehow You Do— Diane Warren (Four Good Days)
A good guy, Billie Eilish was no bad: FINNEAS and his brother FINNEAS were awarded Best Original Song For No Time To Die in the James Bond film.
DOCUMENTARY SHORT PROJECT
Audiobook
Lead me Home
The Queen of Basketball — WINNER
Three songs for Benazir
Bullies, When We Were Bullies
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Ascension
Attica
Flee
Summer of Soul (Or: When The Revolution Couldn’t be Televised)-WINNER
Writing with Fire
VIRAL EFFECTS
Dune – WINNER
No cost to the Guy
No Time To Die
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
Spider-Man has no way home
Greig Fraser, the winner of the Best Cinematography award for Epic: Dune is seen accepting it.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Dune (Greig Frase) – WINNER
Nightmare Alley (Dan Lausten).
Ari Wegner, The Power of the Dog
The Tragedy of Macbeth (Bruno Delbonnel).
West Side Story (Janusz Kaminski)