The Oscars often bring a lot of movie news to the front of many newspapers, magazines, and news sites last week. Which film won best picture? Who won best actor and actress? Did anybody wear a wild outfit to the red carpet? Did anybody slip and fall on their way to getting their award? This year, however, brough much different drama; a slap.
I am sure by now you have seen the stories, the apologies, and the outlandishly creative memes of Will Smith smacking Chris Rock. “The Slap” (as I like to call it) has been seen everywhere on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, basically any and all social media that exists. No matter your take on the whole situation, you have to admit there is some comedy in it. Nobody was expecting such a thing to happen, especially at a nationally televised awards show seen by millions across the globe.
However, I have seen a question popped up online over the whole debacle and that is “Was Will right in smacking Chris?” This is a question that should rightfully be asked, as Will essentially embarrassed himself, his wife Jada-Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, and the Academy as an institution.
In this respect, Smith went too far. A private conversation with Chris about the joke would have been the more mature solution, but he let his inner feelings get to him. Was Will right in defending his wife? Absolutely! I don’t think anybody should be denying that. But he couldn’t hold back the anger and let it get to the best of him.
What makes the whole situation hilarious to me is how Will won best actor in a leading role later that night for his part in “King Richard,” a film about the Williams tennis family. Smith represented the family whether he wanted to or not by being there and by making a fool of himself on tv, he directly made a fool of the Williams family.
Will Smith has since apologized to Chris Rock, the Academy, and the Williams family. He also resigned from his role in the Academy. The Academy is still up in arms over whether or not they will take away his award. I, for one, hope they don’t because I think looking back on this event will make the history of the best actor award much more interesting.
Alex Ross
Alex Rossis a third-year Communication student at Lock Haven with a focus in Journalism. This is his second year as an active member of the Eagle Eye and has been the Arts and Entertainment editor, News editor, and an active writer. He focuses on writing reviews for the A&E section, but has written stories for news, sports, and opinions. Outside of the newsroom, Alex enjoys record shopping, reading classic literature, and analyzing films. Alex hopes to work for a film or music news site as a writer or editor after graduation.