During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Will Smith stunned attendees and viewers worldwide by storming the stage and slapping comedian Chris Rock after a controversial joke. Rock, presenting the Best Documentary award, made a quip about Jada Pinkett Smith’s closely cropped hair, comparing it to Demi Moore’s look in G.I. Jane and suggesting a sequel. Pinkett Smith, who has openly discussed her alopecia diagnosis since 2018, was visibly unamused. Smith reacted by striking Rock across the face and shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth,” prompting producers to mute several seconds of the broadcast in the U.S. The Los Angeles Police Department noted the incident but reported that Rock declined to file a police report.
Academy’s Response and Smith’s Apology
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement post-gala, tweeting, “The Academy does not condone violence of any form,” without directly referencing the incident. Smith, who later won Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard, used his acceptance speech to apologize to the Academy and his fellow nominees, though not directly to Rock. The altercation overshadowed other moments of the ceremony, sparking widespread debate about decorum and personal boundaries in Hollywood.
CODA’s Groundbreaking Victory
In a historic upset, CODA, an independent drama about a deaf family, won Best Picture, becoming the first streaming film to claim the Oscars’ top prize. Produced by Apple TV+, CODA—an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults—defied expectations as a longshot, outpacing favorites like The Power of the Dog. The film also secured Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur, who dedicated his award to the deaf and disabled communities, saying, “This is our moment.” Producer Philippe Rousselet thanked the Academy for letting CODA “make history.” The win marked a milestone for representation, featuring deaf actors Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, and Daniel Durant in lead roles.
Other Notable Wins and Statements
Jessica Chastain won Best Actress for her role as televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye. In her speech, she highlighted Tammy’s advocacy for the LGBTQ community and addressed discriminatory legislation, calling for “radical acts of love.” Kenneth Branagh broke his Oscar drought, earning Best Original Screenplay for Belfast after eight nominations across seven categories. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won Best Original Song for “No Time to Die,” the James Bond theme. The ceremony also featured a moment of silence for Ukraine, with presenter Mila Kunis, born in Ukraine, praising the resilience of those facing the ongoing Russian invasion.
Implications and Legacy
The Smith-Rock incident dominated post-Oscars discussions, raising questions about accountability, with the Academy later initiating a formal review, leading to Smith’s 10-year ban from Oscars events. CODA’s triumph signaled a shift in Hollywood, highlighting the growing influence of streaming platforms and the power of inclusive storytelling. The 2022 Oscars will be remembered for both its dramatic controversy and its celebration of groundbreaking cinema, setting the stage for ongoing debates about representation and conduct in the industry.
