Will Smith news - live: ‘Heartbroken’ actor’s resignation from the Academy accepted by organisation
Best Actor winner resigns from Motion Picture Academy, saying list of those harmed by Oscars slap is “long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones”
Nearly a week after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, Hollywood is still abuzz with activity, as celebrities weigh in on the incident, while a “formal review” of the incident began at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Now they’ve got something new to talk about: the King Richard star has resigned from the Academy, which puts on the Oscars.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” Smith said in a statement. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
It’s the latest sign of friction between the Hollywood heavyweight and the film group.
Smith was reportedly asked to leave the Oscars after breaking the Academy’s code of conduct, but he refused.
Though Mr Rock has declined to press charges against Mr Smith, on Wednesday, during the sold-out Boston show of his Ego Death tour, Rock finally addressed the altercation and said he was “still processing.”
“I’m still processing what happened, so at some point I’ll talk about that s***,” the comedian also said on stage, adding, “It’ll be serious. It’ll be funny, but right now I’m going to tell some jokes.”
You can follow all the developments about the “slap that was heard around the world” in our live blog below...
This year’s Oscars ceremony features a number of firsts, including a first ever nomination for Bhutan for Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.
Find out more about Pawo Choyning Dorji’s film below...
How Bhutan’s Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom made Oscar history
As we get closer to the ceremony, it remains to be seen who will make it to the show and who will stumble at the final, Covid-y hurdle.
Last night, Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted that he wouldn’t be there to cheer on Encanto and tick, tick... boom! after his wife tested positive for Covid.
We’re sure he will be majorly missed!
One figure who appears not to be making an appearance at this year’s ceremony is Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Last week, Oscars host Amy Schumer claimed that her request to have the politician address the star-studded gathering was rejected.
Now, Sean Penn has called for his inclusion in the ceremony, saying that all attendees should walk out if it turns out he wasn’t asked.
Read more below...
Sean Penn calls for Oscars boycott if Zelensky not allowed to speak in ceremony
Up for Best Picture tonight is Belfast, Kenneth Branagh’s black-and-white epic about growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.
In her three-star review, Clarisse Loughrey said that Belfast was “a twinkly-eyed childhood memoir... rigorously fashioned to be an Oscar frontrunner”.
Read the full review below.
It’s T-minus 15 hours until the Academy Awards finally air!
If you’re wondering how to tune in in the UK, check out our handy guide below!
One of the most controversial films among the Best Picture nominees is Adam McKay’s love-it-or-loathe-it comedy Don’t Look Up.
The film, which divided critics and viewers alike, takes place at a time when a comet is crashing to Earth.
In her four-star review, Clarisse Loughrey praised the film, adding: “There’s nothing subtle about Don’t Look Up.”
Read the full review below...
Jennifer Lawrence is back to business in punchy, funny satire Don’t Look Up – review
Despite starring in Don’t Look Up as an Musk/Bezos hybrid figure, Mark Rylance will not be attending tonight’s Oscars.
According to him, the event is “actually really boring”, saying: “I don’t think awards are a serious marker of what the greatest or most inspiring things are, but it’s nice to be celebrated.”
Want to see all the films, performers and creatives nominated at this year’s Oscars? Well, do we have a comprehensive list for you!
The Power of the Dog is leading the pack with 12 nominations, with Dune following close behind with 10.
See all the nominees below!
Full list of the 2022 Oscar nominees as this year’s ceremony gets closer
For all the times the Oscars got it right when it came to choosing their winners, there have definitely been a few duds over the years...
Despite the recent victories of Parasite and Nomadland, the Oscars are a far cry from what they claim to be – a celebration of the previous year’s cinematic offerings. But his does not stop people from trawling the internet the following morning in the hope that maybe, just maybe, the winners list impresses rather than disappoints.
Click below to see 17 films that didn’t deserve their Academy Awards and what should have won instead...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments