FILLED with shocks, sighs, surprises, and exciting performances, the 94th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, was a grand meeting of Hollywood’s glitzy and glamourous in what feels, finally, like a fast-approaching post-COVID world.

But hardly any of this will be remembered when we think about Oscars 2022. Why? The Slap!
These awards are given as a physical nod to artistic and technical excellence in the film industry. The Oscars golden statues are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant award in the film entertainment industry worldwide.

Given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the awards are an international recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements.
Considering the history of #OscarsSoWhite, the nominations and wins for African-Americans this year were noticeable.

It’s difficult, however, to truly appreciate this considering the actions of Will Smith.
The incident occurred after Oscars host and comedian, Chris Rock pointed out Jada Pinkett Smith in the crowd and said: “Jada, I love ya! G.I. Jane 2—can’t wait to see it”, referring to her bald head. Smith casually walked onto the stage, and dealt Rock a solid slap.

The public debate surrounding Smith’s slapping of Rock is ongoing.
Many thought it was a staged performance. Understandably so, because why not have that much drama in a room full of actors.

It wasn’t until Smith returned to his seat and bellowed an instruction to Rock which will not be placed within these column inches because of the profanity. It’s safe to say that Lupita Nyongo’s face was all of us.
It is believed that Smith was acting in defence of his wife who suffers from alopecia, but does this really justify the action? Was there no other way?

Later that evening, Smith went on to win the Oscar for Best Leading Actor for playing Richard Williams, father of tennis superstars, Venus and Serena Williams, in the movie, ‘King Richard’.
The audience gave Smith a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept his award.

What was intended to be a legacy project for the Williams family was overshadowed by the fact that smith had not only physically assaulted another black man, but he insulted an entire community and beloved family.
While the memes and jokes quickly flooded the socials, it was sad to see that such a wondrous win could have not been celebrated in all its glory.

Many left the awards ceremony not talking about Smith’s outstanding performance in the film, ‘Kind Richard’ or even about the amazing story itself that was told.

Instead, the internet was ablaze with back-and-forth statements and rebuttals about a situation that could have been better handled.
Smith has since apologised, but the Academy has broken its silence to indicate that not only was Smith asked to leave, which he refused, but the body will open an investigation into his action. Let’s see how that goes. (Naomi Parris)