# So Will Smith punched Chris Rock at the Oscars last night **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** comedian-jokes, talk-variety-show\ **Created:** [March 28, 2022, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826 "2022-03-28T08:32:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 26
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/501 "2022-04-01T19:58:10Z")
> [@LVBoPeep](#): > > and would have been forgotten if Will had not reacted in a violent manner. Smith Streisand effected the hell out of this! I would’ve never known about the joke if he didn’t get all machismo on Rock. Also, my opinion of Smith would’ve been a lot higher than it is now. I used to like the guy. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2022, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/502 "2022-04-01T22:52:01Z")
I assume that Variety wouldn’t April Fools this one. > **[Will Smith Resigns From Academy Over Chris Rock Oscars Slap Backlash](https://variety.com/2022/film/news/will-smith-resigns-academy-oscars-slap-chris-rock-1235221041/)** > > Will Smith, facing possible expulsion or suspension after he assaulted Chris Rock during last Sunday’s Oscars telecast, has instead resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Scie… ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2022, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/503 "2022-04-01T23:31:38Z")
I couldn’t put into words the look Smith had on his face as he walked back. It really had a bad vibe to it. But the [interview with Paul Rodriguez](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45OHRj0Yrx0) about Smith mentioned it. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/504 "2022-04-02T00:05:59Z")
I did not really get a sense of the look on his face as he turned back after the slap - that interview clip has a great freeze frame of it. That is one scary evil smile. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/505 "2022-04-02T00:28:46Z")
It is true. I guess on some level, he felt they would kick him out, so this prevents that. ---
**Author:** ![superwombat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superwombat/32/16616_2.png) [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/506 "2022-04-02T00:42:48Z")
How many other actors are not Academy members but have flourishing careers? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/507 "2022-04-02T00:46:15Z")
I’m not sure. It’s not like he isn’t in SAG. Does this affect his ability to make movies? I presume he can not win an Academy Award or even be nominated? I hope he can not present next year. I would suggest life-time ban from the show for an act of violence. ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/508 "2022-04-02T00:49:52Z")
Smith is still a money printer, just no longer an Academy Award magnet (but honestly he’ll still be an award magnet). More earnest words from [DL Hughley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va4WyP2jIoU&ab_channel=DLHughley). I never knew how thoughtful he can be. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/509 "2022-04-02T00:51:55Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Does this affect his ability to make movies? I presume he can not win an Academy Award or even be nominated? I don’t think so. It says on their website: “Academy Award nominees are automatically considered for membership and do not require sponsors.” That would seem to imply that membership is not required for anything. > **[Academy Membership](https://www.oscars.org/about/join-academy)** > > WHOAcademy membership is limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures. The Academy has 18 branches, for the crafts ranging from Actors to Writers, and the Members-at-Large category, for individuals who... ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/510 "2022-04-02T01:16:48Z")
> [@orcenio](#): > > More earnest words from [DL Hughley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va4WyP2jIoU&ab_channel=DLHughley). I never knew how thoughtful he can be. I might disagree with his premise that people were going to Rock’s shows to see his response. he got a 2 minute standing ovation before his show started. I have to believe it’s a show of support. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/511 "2022-04-02T01:17:59Z")
> [@orcenio](#): > > Smith is still a money printer, just no longer an Academy Award magnet (but honestly he’ll still be an award magnet). It is an open question going forward. Maybe. But they are in a business where how you are viewed by the public is the product you sell as much as your performance is. There will be at least some segment of people who will avoid partaking of any project that he is known to be attached to. Some of whom previously would be giving a specific project a look see just because he was attached to it. Many of whom _would_ have been more likely to take a look after an Academy Award winning performance. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/512 "2022-04-02T01:26:08Z")
Man, this seems like an overreaction. I can see fining Will 50k and publicly admonishing him. But, forcing him out of the Actors academy? For a slap that didn’t even knock Chris down? Will didn’t freak out and stomp Chris into the ground. No one had to pull him off Chris or restrain Will. Will made a mistake and some punishment is deserved. I didn’t expect anything more extreme than a suspension and fine. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/513 "2022-04-02T01:28:12Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Does this affect his ability to make movies? I presume he can not win an Academy Award or even be nominated? I hope he can not present next year. Here is an article discussing the ramifications. > **[Here’s What Will Smith’s Resignation From the Academy Means](https://variety.com/2022/awards/news/will-smith-resignation-academy-what-it-means-1235221516/)** > > What does Will Smith's resignation from the Academy mean? He can no longer vote, but he can still be nominated for an Oscar. > - Yes, he still gets to keep his Best Actor Oscar for “King Richard” > - Yes, he can still get invited to future Academy Awards ceremonies > - Yes, he can still be nominated for future consideration > - No, he is no longer a voting member of the Academy It basically just means he can’t vote anymore on who wins awards. It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Also in that article… > The Academy plans to forge ahead and conduct a formal investigation and disciplinary process on April 18, at which time the organization could impose further sanctions or punishment in accordance with its bylaws. > Meanwhile SAG-AFTRA released a statement after the Oscars incident saying Smith could also face disciplinary action from his guild. “We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed. SAG-AFTRA does not comment on any pending member disciplinary process,” the statement said. So this might not be the end of things. ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/514 "2022-04-02T01:33:41Z")
Smith resigned (probably due to his shame or to take control from being formally punished). It was only due to Rock’s grace that he wasn’t arrested that night (on TV ) and was able to collect his award, give his horrible speech, and dance the night away at an after party with compassionate friends. If Smith did that to someone on the street he could’ve gotten seriously hurt or even killed without any legal recourse. Let’s be honest in that of all the things that could’ve legally happened to Smith. This was a bare minium. He was protected by EVERYONE (including Rock who saved him and didn’t go crass). ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/515 "2022-04-02T01:35:17Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > For a slap that didn’t even knock Chris down? Chris may still look fairly young but he’s pushing 60 and has never been a large man. Smith probably has a few years, 5-6 inches, and 50 pounds on him, easy. And this wasn’t the corner dive bar. This is literally the premier event of the industry, on international television, and he shit all over it. Seems like an appropriate reaction to me. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/516 "2022-04-02T01:46:54Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > This is literally the premier event of the industry, on international television, and he shit all over it. Right. Resignation or removal from the Academy should be the least that happens as things stand. As mentioned it does not in any way interfere with his award or his future work, it is simply an act of disassociating with someone who could not retain the composure to behave the way you are expected to behave at an event like that, among professional colleagues. Regardless of what nasty look your spouse may give you or how stressed you may be. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/517 "2022-04-02T02:11:29Z")
Will Smith will have no problem getting movies produced in the future, because Will Smith owns his own production company, Overbrook, which he set up decades ago. He even set up a subsidiary company, Westbrook, to work on Smith family projects specifically, which is how _King Richard_ got made. They won’t have any problem getting distributors either. They won’t get the same deal they would’ve gotten a month ago, but they’ll find someone…Overbrook has worked with too many distributors not to figure something out. The question I think is what their first project will be, and whether he apologizes again & more, or if he just tries to fight his way past all of it by ignoring it. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/518 "2022-04-02T02:31:00Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > but they’ll find someone… Of course it depends on how toxic the public views him after this. Tom Cruise’s reputation took a hit after the creepy Oprah couch bit but he still did fine with MI. But having a (lesser light) distributor is only one part. Will he be a draw in the future is another. He is a businessman after all and even he won’t keep hiring himself for movies if they lose money each time. Can he get quality teams to sign on to work with him? Or will top talent avoid him? Probably not if he pays enough but it raises his company’s costs … My WAG is that his production company does not feature him for a bit. He hangs back from n front of the camera and focuses on the money side. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/519 "2022-04-02T03:10:03Z")
Woody Allen’s relationship with Soon-Yi became public in 1992, and they married in 1997. Since 1992, Allen has released 11 movies, eight of which received Oscar nominations in one or more categories. His distributors during that time included Tri-Star, Miramax, Sony, Fox, and Amazon. I’m not too worried about the long-term career impact Will Smith will face. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2022, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826/520 "2022-04-02T04:34:58Z")
Woody Allen primarily created as a director and writer after that mostly putting others as the leads. And as a director and writer Mr Allen is very skillful. His work after 1992 was critically very successful but blockbuster hits they were generally not and his being involved was not something that was a bankable draw. Mr Smith is actor and producer, starring in films aimed at grossing hundreds of millions and usually succeeding, banking to some degree on him being the star as the draw. That power to draw is partly based on people liking his public image. One of these things is not like the other. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826.md?page=25) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-will-smith-punched-chris-rock-at-the-oscars-last-night/961826.md?page=27)