Although briefly banned by the Hollywood Academy for the next nine years, Will Smith slipped back into the conversation this Sunday, mostly in the shadows of memory and with a wink of humor from host Jimmy Kimmel. The moment lingered as a reminder of the unpredictable spectacle that accompanies the Oscars, a nod to how quickly headlines can pivot from glamour to controversy.
One year later, the incident remains the most discussed slap in Oscar history. While the Academy seems eager to move forward, the event still casts a long shadow. The fashion, the speeches, and the opening remarks all frame the premiere as a moment when a single beat could redefine public perception long after the credits roll.
“We want you to feel safe. And most importantly, we want you to feel safe. That’s why we have strict policies, and if anyone in this theater commits acts of violence at any time during the performance, they will be awarded an Oscar for Best Actor and will be allowed to give a 90-minute speech.”
Jimmy Kimmel: “I’ll improvise 25% at the Oscars”
He riffed on several ideas the Academy debated after the prior year’s events. The exact reaction to March 27, 2022, remains a topic of discussion as people try to parse what happened and why. The host poked fun at the memory of the night, keeping the tone light while acknowledging the seriousness of the moment.
Chris Rock, the host of the 94th edition, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre to present the award for best documentary. He referenced the shaved head of Pinkett Smith, openly connecting it to the public conversation around alopecia — a moment that drew a mix of sympathy and surprised laughter from the audience. The comparison to a character from Ridley Scott’s film highlighted how pop culture and real life blur in such moments.
After a brief moment of discomfort, Smith rose from his seat and stepped onto the stage, surprising the comedian and casting the room into a moment of disbelief. What followed blurred the line between fact and script, leaving many unsure how to respond in real time and prompting questions about the appropriate handling of onstage disruptions during a live broadcast.
Those who sought to overshadow last year’s ceremony and shape the narrative admitted that the response left something to be desired. Critics argued that the event’s organizers struggled to manage the situation with a calm, decisive approach that could reassure viewers at home and in the theater alike.
Speech by Brendan Fraser after winning the 2023 Best Actor Oscar
In response to the evolving dynamics around the ceremony, the Academy announced the creation of a crisis-response team meant to address unexpected events that may arise during the broadcast. The purpose is to coordinate a swift and effective reaction, safeguarding the experience for attendees and viewers alike.
“The Academy has a crisis team in case something unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony. They’re going to do what they did last year: nothing, just sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the bully a hug,” an ironic allusion to the slap was woven into the evening’s throughline, as host Kimmel continued. The humor served to acknowledge the tension without dwelling on the incident, letting the ceremony proceed as planned while preserving the dignity of the performers involved.
Despite the attention to the incident, the night moved forward with the Academy intent on turning the page. Will Smith faced a nine-year ban from active participation in the ceremony and its related events, a sanction that reflected the severity of the moment and its impact on the awards’ reputation. In the months that followed, Smith issued multiple apologies, including a widely shared video message on social media that aimed to convey remorse and accountability.
Michelle Yeoh, winner of the 2023 Best Actress Oscar
During the celebrations and reflections that followed, Yeoh spoke of handling remorse with humility. She highlighted the humanity behind mistakes, stressing that personal growth often accompanies admitting fault. The star, who premiered Emancipation in December, emphasized the importance of moving forward while owning one’s missteps.
Meanwhile, Chris Rock’s remarks shifted away from direct references to the incident. Instead, his broader monologue and public remarks in subsequent days kept the focus on resilience, responsibility, and humor in the face of adversity. In a televised monologue that reached audiences beyond the theater, he acknowledged the event with a tone that mixed candor and resilience, illustrating how public figures navigate blame and forgiveness on a national stage.
Did the fallout sting? Some would say yes. Yet the conversation evolved into a broader discourse about accountability and the delicate balance between performance and propriety. For many, the 2023 ceremony became less about the slap and more about how the entertainment world addresses crisis, restitution, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence on screen and on stage. The resilience shown by those who spoke honestly about their feelings and their responsibilities helped frame a narrative of growth, reform, and renewed trust in the awards process.