At the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27, 2022, we had as one would say an Oscar-Worthy performance that will not be forgotten. Between the nominations and winners of each category, Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, the 2022 Oscars is one we must discuss.
To start off we have all the winners of the 2022 Oscars. In the Best Picture category, we have CODA. Best Actress in a Leading Role; Jessica Chastian - The Eyes of Tammy Faye. For Best Actor in a Leading Role to much surprise, the award was handed to Will Smith with King Richard though we all thought for sure Andrew Garfield with tick,tick…BOOM! would leave the ceremony holding the Oscar. Best Actor in a Supporting Role; Toby Kotsur - CODA. Best Actress in a Supporting Role; Ariana DeBose - West Side Story. Best Director; Jane Campion The Power of the Dog. Best Writing(Original Screenplay); Belfast - Kenneth Branagh. Best Writing(Adparted Screenplay); CODA – Siân Heder. Best International Feature Film; Drive My Car. Best Animated Feature Film; Encanto. Best Documentary Feature; Summer of Soul. Best Film Editing; Dune. Best Cinematography; Dune. Best Musi(Original Score); Dune. In the Best Music(Original Song) category we all hoped that Dos Oruguitas by Lin Manuel Miranda - Encanto would win but to a shock “No Time to Die” - No Time to Die won. Best Sound; Dune. Best Visual Effects; Dune. Best Production Design; Dune. Best Costume Design; Cruella. Best Makeup and Hairstyling; The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Best Animated Short Film: The Windshield Wiper. Best Live Action Short Film; The Long Goodbye. Documentary Short Subject; The Queen of Basketball. Congratulations to all of those listed above in their awards.
For the winner of the most dramatic event throughout the entire award show, we would have to hand it off to Will Smith and his slap. American Comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada’s hair loss condition and newly shaved haircut. “Jada, Gl Jane 2, I can’t wait to see it” Jada Pinkett Smith however did not find this joke amusing and rolled her eyes. Will Smith then proceeded to arise from his seat, storming his way towards the stage then slaps Chris Rock across the face in front of the visibly shocked crowd. Will then went back to his seat and said “Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth”.
15 minutes after the incident Will Smith went on stage once again to receive his award for Best Actor. While up on stage he apologized to the academy and the audience but not a single word about Chris Rock. Will Smith took it upon himself to later go on Instagram to give Chris a public apology. He described his behavior as “unacceptable” and “inexcusable”. The Academy replied to the situation stating they “do not condone violence of any form” and proceeded to ban Will Smith from the Oscars for the next 10 years. Many stars and the public were quick to jump to Smiths defense while others are on Chris Rock’s side. Who do you stand by?