By: Oliver Reid
The Oscars, also known as the golden globe, is a yearly event in which films and filmmakers are rewarded for being the best in their respective film categories. This year's academy awards took place on Sunday, March 27, and as always was attended by dozens of prestigious celebrities including Denzel Washington, Steven Speilberg, Billie Elish, and Beyonce. Even with all the amazing people and movies celebrated throughout the evening, Will Smith and Chris Rock took the spotlight.
Will Smith and Chris Rock are two award-winning actors who have acted together in the 90s movie “Torrance Rises” and an episode of the show “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”. Chris Rock was giving an opening speech for the best documentary category and announcing this year's winner, and he began his segment by making a couple of jokes. This is usual for the Oscars actors, making friendly jokes towards one another.
What’s not usual is for jokes to turn sour. On stage, Chris Rock makes a joke regarding Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Jada has a medical condition, the AutoImmune disease called alopecia, which calls cells to attack hair follicles resulting in baldness. Chris Rock joked; “Jada, I love ya. GI Jane two - can't wait to see it”. GI Jane is a 1997 movie in which the main actress, Demi Moore had to shave her head for the role of GI Jane. This comment hurt Jada, and when Will Smith noticed, he promptly walked on stage without a word and slapped Chris Rock. Will returned to his seat and furiously yelled from across the auditorium. The show went on and Will Smith later won the best actor of the year award, for his role in the movie King Richard.
Photograph by Robyn Beck / Getty
The academy awards have begun an investigation on the actions of Will Smith and will look into possible consequences, such as his oscar being taken away. It is unclear who is in the wrong. Will Smith has publicly apologized to Chris Rock during his Oscars speech as well as on social media. Though Chris is not pressing any charges against Will Smith, this event reminds the people that our actions do have consequences. Chris Rock’s joke resulted in a slap to the face, and Will Smith’s reaction was followed by an investigation by the Oscars. People need to expect repercussions for the acts they commit.