Slapper Smith to win another Oscar?

The condemned actor is drawing an abundance of attention for his new film Emancipation, but experts say it would be "impossible" for him to win another Oscar.

The condemned actor is drawing lots of attention for his new film Emancipation, but experts say it would be "impossible" for him to win another Oscar.

It was the slap that shook the globe. About six months ago actor Will Smith stormed the Oscars stage in a thunderous fit, and slammed his open palm into the face of comedian Chris Rock. 

Minutes later, he was receiving a standing ovation for winning the award for Best Actor, and giving a tearful, rousing acceptance speak for a cheering crowd.

Filmmakers, actors and producers publicly condemned Smith’s actions. Advocates against violences spoke up in protest. 

The Academy knew they had to do something. The actor was banned from returning to the Oscars or attending any other Academy events for the next 10 years.

But now, about half a year since the incident, the trailer for Smith’s latest professional endeavour, Emancipation, has been released. And the industry says the film is “screaming for an Oscar.” 

Despite the blanket ban on Smith, 54, returning to the awards for the next decade, he is still eligible and can technically win an Oscar. 

Emancipation's current release plan includes a theatrical run on Dec 2, and a release on Apple TV+ a week later, which means the actor could feasibly be nominated for the 2023 awards. 

Inspired by a true story, the film follows Smith’s character, Peter, on a seemingly-endless journey through the swamps of Louisiana in a desperate attempt to reach Abraham Lincoln’s army and escape the plantation owners that nearly killed him.

University of Sydney film professor Bruce Isaacs told The Oz “they will definitely nominate” Smith for next year's Best Actor award, if not just for the much-needed publicity the dying awards show needs.

“Emancipation is the sort of movie that says ‘please give me an Oscar’,” he said.

“It’s timely. It’s the kind of movie that taps into black rights, Black Lives Matter. It works perfectly with the popularity of the release of the 1619 Project.”

The 1619 Project is a fictional children’s book released by writer Nikole Hannah-Jones in 2019, which reexamines the legacy of slavery and the contributions of Black people in America.

But despite the timeliness of the film, Isaacs said it would be “impossible” for Smith to win, claiming it would be a “complete about face on what Will Smith now represents”. 

“It seems completely inconceivable to me,” Isaacs said. “The rage of Will Smith from that night will have a lasting impact on the Academy, which is a very conservative establishment.”

“It’s practically almost impossible because the Academy took such a hard stance on that slap.”