The 2023 Oscars are right around the corner, and Academy CEO Chris Rock responded to criticism in his latest Netflix special, in which the comedian recounted the moment Will Smith slapped him on stage at the Oscars.
The moment that rocked Hollywood at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022 when Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett, took the stage and slapped The Rock after a joke about Smith’s shaved head.
Ahead of the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12, Bill Cramer said the organization is “well prepared” to deal with unexpected events at Sunday’s show and is “ready to move forward” from the 2022 event.
Speaking to Deadline, he added: “I think the important thing for us is to move forward.
“At the candidates’ lunch… Janet Young made it very clear that we as an Academy need to prepare better and be much more flexible and clear in how we respond to things.
“I really want to focus on that.” Kramer added, “I think it’s great that Chris is telling his truth. I can’t talk about the timing, but we’re ready to move forward.”
Cramer previously said a “crisis team” would be introduced at this year’s Oscars to minimize “potential surprises” at the awards ceremony.
Rock took direct aim at Smith in his special Selective Outrage stand-up, saying he was beaten. [former boxer Manny] Pacquiao.
She also accused Pinkett Smith of starting their feud and said she hurt her husband “more than he hurt me” by “messing around” with rapper August Alsina.
