‘Towards freedom’: Will Smith be boycotted at the 2023 Oscars for his slap in the face of Chris Rock?

Will Smith made his mark at this year’s Oscars for slap Chris Rock, who was presenting one of the awards, after making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, comparing her to the “Lieutenant O’Neil” star because of her shaved head. a moment that marked the awards night, especially since shortly thereafter the actor returned to the stage to collect his first Oscar for the film ‘The Williams Method’where he plays the father and coach of tennis players Williams, and delivered a tearful speech of repentance for his behavior.

The entire public, and social networks for the next few days, were divided between the defenders of the actor, who claimed to want to protect his family and his image, and the detractors, who publicly rejected his attitude during the night. After, Smith apologized to the presenter in a video, and the Academy of the Oscars decided to stop him from attending virtually or in person at any of the institute’s events., including future galas, for the next ten years. But does this include the veto to be nominated again for prestigious film awards? They have already explained that no, that he can be perfectly nominated for a future role, but he will not be able to pick him up at the ceremony. What we did not expect is that this series would arrive already this year.

In his new film, “To Freedom,” Will Smith plays a slave who, to save his life, escapes from plantation owners and embarks on a perilous journey through Louisiana. role that could earn him a new Oscar nomination. However, the Academy members have not forgotten the last time he went on stage, first to beat the presenter and then to accept the statuette, and rumors of a boycott of his candidacy are already beginning to be heard.

Lawrence David Foldes, one of the voters of the producer branch, spoke out against the nomination on The Hollywood Reporter: “Would I vote for Smith again? NO FUCKING”. stands against yours “embarrassing violent outburst” and his lack of respect for the institution: “It should prevent him from being considered and awarded for life”. When asked if they would vote for the actor, several members strongly support Foldes’ stance: “fuck it. Well no “one said, while another said so “There is no chance that I will vote for it”and some have even compared him to Trump: “Would I vote for Will Smith? Right after I voted for Trump”.

Who would vote for Will Smith?

Others are more lenient, stating this “He did something awful. He apologized. We need to allow people to grow, learn and heal”. Others instead defend the work of other professionals: “Hundreds of people worked on that film and they shouldn’t be penalized”stating that “he should have a chance and let the voters decide”.

“Towards Freedom” will premiere on Apple TV + December 9.