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Will Smith Resigns from Motion Picture Academy

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Fri Apr 01, 2022 at 07:03:34 PM EST
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Will Smith has responded to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors notice that it had launched an investigation into his slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, by resigning from the Organization. His statement begins with:

I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.

[More...]

It ends with:

I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.

There is no mention of his returning his Oscar, and apparently, that is not an available sanction.

I suspect there will be consequences outside of his Academy membership. I doubt any company will want him sponsoring their products right now. I don't know if any of the movies he is recently wrapping up will come out on schedule.

Having had a few days to process this, I can say I think resigning is his best option. He's lucky Chris Rock didn't press charges when approached by police. I really don't care what Chris Rock said to his wife. Responding to any verbal insult with a physical slap in the face is way over the line of acceptable behavior. Anyone who can't control their own violent tendencies when out in public should stay home -- and get therapy.

This wasn't Will Smith's first rodeo in public with his wife since she shaved her head. Her makeup and gown were flawless and she looked beautiful and happy in all the photos I've seen besides her reaction to the "GI Jane 2" comment.

To say Will Smith over-reacted to Rock's not-funny joke is an understatement. Just as his tearful post-slap apology to everyone but Chris Rock was an overstatement.

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    Will Smith Resigns from Motion Picture Academy | 7 comments (7 topical)

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    Which, apparently, in practical terms, (none / 0) (#1)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 01, 2022 at 09:59:10 PM EST
    means he himself won't be able to vote on other Academy nominated actors, writers, or movies, etc., however his performances are eligible for Academy nominations and awards.

    At least Will Smith has, however belatedly, ... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Apr 03, 2022 at 05:07:54 AM EST
    ... accepted full responsibility for his disgraceful conduct and didn't double down on stupid like he did on Oscar night with that six-minute pity party of an acceptance speech.

    As it was, it took Smith and his advisers the better part of 24 hours to finally realize the considerable fallout and extent of self-inflicted damage, most particularly his glaring failure to apologize personally and publicly to Chris Rock in a timely manner.

    "Love will make you do crazy things." Well, for that matter, so will arrogance and an obvious lack of impulse control.

    Will Smith will likely be back. But whether his career at that point fully rebounds and recovers or simply stalls out and withers, we'll just have to wait and see.

    As Kevin Spacey's extended hiatus from gainful employment indicates, even a couple of Oscar statuettes are no shield or asset in Hollywood if the establishment concludes that you're a liability at the box office. But on a positive note, you'll certainly learn who your true friends are.

    I imagine that the extent to which this incident clips Smith's wings will likely depend upon the amount of public contrition and sincerity he's willing to show over the next year or so.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    He might be eligible (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 02, 2022 at 07:00:51 AM EST
    but something tells me it might be a while before he is given another Oscar.

    Parent
    It will be interesting to see (none / 0) (#3)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Apr 02, 2022 at 10:27:43 AM EST
    if, and how quickly, his reputation bounces back.

    He has some good projects getting released in 2022, including Emancipation.

    Parent

    Gilbert Gottfried has died (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 13, 2022 at 08:42:12 AM EST
    could make you laugh by saying hello

    Years ago I filmed Gilbert (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by fishcamp on Wed Apr 13, 2022 at 11:32:57 AM EST
    In a bookstore in Aspen.  I forget who it was for but it was hilarious.  Gilbert wandered around the store pulling different books off shelves, reading a few lines, and turning them into jokes.  He stayed for a few extra days hanging out with the film crew.  We all had fun, he was a good guy.

    Parent
    Gilbert reads (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 13, 2022 at 10:55:40 AM EST
    50 Shades of Grey

    Parent
    Will Smith Resigns from Motion Picture Academy | 7 comments (7 topical)

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