The biggest night in Hollywood, a.k.a. the Academy Awards, is finally here, meaning the best and brightest of the film industry are currently descending on L.A.’s Dolby Theater. The year, though, you can’t think about the Oscars without thinking about the widely dubbed “slap heard ‘round the world.” We are, of course, referring to the 2022 incident when Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face. Rock had just made a joke about G.I. Jane, referencing Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia. The incident didn’t stop Smith from winning the Best Actor award for King Richard nearly an hour later, though.
The infamous Oscars moment was painful to watch, to say the least, and one that had numerous reparations for Smith. For starters, Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable," in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Then the Academy announced that Smith will not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs for the next 10 years in the wake of the slap (although he can still be nominated for awards). So no, you will not be seeing Smith at the Oscars this year, nor for the next nine years.
Over the past year, Smith has apologized several times. First, he publicly apologized to Rock in a lengthy Instagram post, saying he was “embarrassed” and “reacted emotionally.” Smith then broke his social media absence with a video answering questions about the incident and issuing another apology to Rock and his family. Later, during an appearance on The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, Smith called the 2022 Oscars a “horrific night,” adding, “I took my hard and made it hard for other people. I understood the idea where they say that hurt people hurt people.”
Smith’s career doesn’t seem to have taken a hit from the slap. At the end of 2022, Smith starred in the Apple TV+ film, Emancipation, while he's currently set to serve as a producer on 14 new titles, according to his IMDb page. He’s also set to star in four new films including Bad Boys 4 and the Planes, Trains, & Automobiles remake alongside Kevin Hart.
Meanwhile, Rock subtly referenced the Oscars moment in a few stand-up shows in the last year, but recently addressed it explicitly in his newly-released Netflix special Selective Outrage. “You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by Suge Smith,” Rock said. “It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears. But I’m not a victim, baby.” And don’t get your hopes up for Rock to attend this year’s Oscars, either. He’s reportedly staying far away from L.A. during the ceremony.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
-
Kendall Jenner Spotted at Bad Bunny Concert, Fueling Reconciliation Rumors
The former couple reportedly called it quits back in December 2023.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Selena Gomez's Cannes Red Carpet Look Deserves a Standing Ovation
This look is an all-time best for the actress.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
King Charles Announces His First Overseas Trip Since Cancer Diagnosis
The monarch is finding a way to return to normalcy as he continues cancer treatments.
By Danielle Campoamor Published