Will Smith punches Chris Rock at the Oscars?

[Angela Channing]

The idea that the Oscars have only recently become political is nonsense. It's always been political. Marlon Brando asking a native American to refuse his Oscar, Vanessa Redgrave denouncing Zionist bullies and Tom Hanks paying tribute to AIDS sufferers are just a few previous political moments that I can recall from previous years.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

GMA's take:

Will Smith has onstage confrontation with Chris Rock at Oscars l GMA - YouTube

Wow. Tiffany Haddish is a cow:

Tiffany Haddish on Support for Will Smith's Slap Moment at 2022 Oscars - YouTube


Th irony (for me) is that this was the first Oscars show I didn't watch live since the early-'70s...

The idea that the Oscars have only recently become political is nonsense. It's always been political. Marlon Brando asking a native American to refuse his Oscar, Vanessa Redgrave denouncing Zionist bullies and Tom Hanks paying tribute to AIDS sufferers are just a few previous political moments that I can recall from previous years.

Well, of course it has. But the "woke" thing is on a different level -- wokeness is hurting the Left (perhaps deliberately) and Hollywood (and the mainstream news media, too) has never been more out of touch with general population than it is now. And it's been affecting Neilsen numbers.

 

[Angela Channing]

Well, of course it has. But the "woke" thing is on a different level -- wokeness is hurting the Left (perhaps deliberately) and Hollywood (and the mainstream news media, too) has never been more out of touch with general population than it is now. And it's been affecting Neilsen numbers.

What did you consider to be "wokeness" that is "hurting the left" during the Oscars? Denouncing Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill? Highlighting pay disparities between men and women? Highlighting discrimination against people of colour? Those aren't left issues, they are human rights issues which should transcend left and right.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

What did you consider to be "wokeness" that is "hurting the left" during the Oscars? Denouncing Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill? Highlighting pay disparities between men and women? Highlighting discrimination against people of colour? Those aren't left issues, they are human rights issues which should transcend left and right.

But you're woke, Jesus knows, so your reaction is expected.

And while there have always been political moments at the Oscars which were unexpected, in recent years the show has slid into a blur of endless virtue signaling in a pseudo-leftist kind of way. And it's become cringey. And ratings spiral as a result.

But, yeah, I realize some folks don't have a cringe-threshold that can be reached.

From what I know about the "don't say gay" bill, it supposedly is about avoiding "indoctrination" for grades K thru 3. (Although, coming from Republicans, I'm sure there's a less reasonable motive behind it). And the gender pay gap is a lie.

 

[Angela Channing]

But you're woke, Jesus knows, so your reaction is expected.

And while there have always been political moments at the Oscars which were unexpected, in recent years the show has slid into a blur of endless virtue signaling in a pseudo-leftist kind of way. And it's become cringey. And ratings spiral as a result.

But, yeah, I realize some folks don't have a cringe-threshold that can be reached.

From what I know about the "don't say gay" bill, it supposedly is about avoiding "indoctrination" for grades K thru 3. (Although, coming from Republicans, I'm sure there's a less reasonable motive behind it). And the gender pay gap is a lie.

We had the equivalent of the "Don't Say Gay" bill in the UK, it was called Section 28 and introduced by the homophobe Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. It effectively banned schools from talking about same sex issues and a generation of children were denied the advice and counselling on these matters at school or elsewhere in their local area and made it difficult for schools to prevent or address the serious problems that could arise from homophobic bullying. The bill here, like the one in Florida, wasn't about stopping indoctrination, it was about promoting homophobia. Amy Schumer referenced the bill in the opening monologue without criticising it but showed solidarity for those affected by it. It wasn't that different to people showing solidarity to the people of Ukraine but I noticed that isn't being criticised.

The political jokes were very few (maybe around 10% of the jokes made by the 3 hosts) and overwhelmingly what they talked about was films and film stars, so to say it was "endless virtue signalling" is just plain inaccurate.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

We had the equivalent of the "Don't Say Gay" bill in the UK, it was called Section 28 and introduced by the homophobe Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. It effectively banned schools from talking about same sex issues and a generation of children were denied the advice and counselling on these matters at school or elsewhere in their local area and made it difficult for schools to prevent or address the serious problems that could arise from homophobic bullying. The bill here, like the one in Florida, wasn't about stopping indoctrination, it was about promoting homophobia. Amy Schumer referenced the bill in the opening monologue without criticising it but showed solidarity for those affected by it.

Is it the equivalent of Thatcher's bill from the '80s? I think the "Don't say gay" bill permits sex-orientation conversations by middle school, but I could be wrong. .

The political jokes were very few (maybe around 10% of the jokes made by the 3 hosts) and overwhelmingly what they talked about was films and film stars, so to say it was "endless virtue signalling" is just plain inaccurate.

This year was different -- it was produced by a different team in order to turn around the annual show's recent ratings slide, so there was less politics, Which is good.

 

[Luke_Krebbs_Ewing]

That reminded me of Wes Parmalee at the Oil Baron's Ball wanting to say a few words!

At least no one smacked Wes in the face, although Clayton did threaten to kill him!

 

[Willie Oleson]

It's like a scene from EMPIRE!

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

That reminded me of Wes Parmalee at the Oil Baron's Ball wanting to say a few words!

At least no one smacked Wes in the face, although Clayton did threaten to kill him!

But maybe he would've had Ellie been banging the entire cartel.

It's always nice to blame the nearest woman, and many people online today are doing just that --- pointing out that Will Smith has admitted to a fixation on wanting to save his mother from his abusive father, that Will felt like a guilty "failure" because his first marriage ended in divorce, and that Jada publicly admitted a couple of years ago that they have an "open" marriage (she had an affair with her son's friend) because Will might've been less than spectacular between the sheets, and that he'll permit his wife to do anything with no danger of divorcing her because he's totally cucked.

So his violent anger towards Chris was really misdirected rage towards his wife which he can't express.

Naturally, I don't know if these analyses are correct, but one wouldn't be surprised...

In any event, people are saying Will and Chris may have "single-handedly" saved The Academy Awards.

 

[Willie Oleson]

In any event, people are saying Will and Chris may have "single-handedly" saved The Academy Awards.

Of course they did and they ought to be praised for it.
That giggle at the end of Will's speech is priceless.

There were some other very questionable things going on....

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

Once upon a time I used to love watching the Oscars, seeing TRUE stars - people from the Golden age of Hollywood

now its just a leftist, woke political Love fest and I havent a clue who half the people are or the films they appear in

Thats why I like Ricky Gervais as compere who takes the P out of everyone - he says it as it is and what people think at home

And "actors/actresses" who are grossly over paid and underworked have no idea what its like to live in the real world, as they inhabit a pampered and preened life totally detached from reality and as @Snarky Oracle says the Smiths share every detail on social media

I never liked him and yes he should be arrested for assault

You couldnt pay me to watch the Oscars now and with all thats happening in the world i wish they would wake up and smell the coffee. Long boring lectures / acceptance speeches, who cares?? not me! I dont care what they wear or their political views, and totally agree @Jock Ewing Fan - a bunch of egotists

Give me Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck, Ingrid, Joan and Bette et al any day of the week, true stars

GO RICKY!! Take the mick! Listen at 7 mins 03 onwards and so say all of us!

So True. The actors of a previous era served their country with honor in WW2, and didn't participate in divisive woke political activities
that divide people while vilifying those people who do not support the extreme leftist agendas that these overrated, overpaid, ignorant,
usually poorly educated entertainers try to forcefeed to the populace. It is always interesting to me how people who claim to support
free speech are intolerant to the point of name calling, ostracizing, belittling and cancelling those who don't agree with them
How many people have been publicly harangued on the news media and social media for remarks that are decades old?
Conservative speakers are silenced on college campuses . Books by beloved icons like Dr Seuss have been banned!
Diversity is a desirable goal, but not when a checklist is required for projects that need the best available talent,
resulting in watered down, mediocre outcomes.

The free exchange of ideas is the basis of a healthy society, and the Founding Fathers wisely prioritized it,
They would be horrified at the selective censorship that is now too commonplace

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Will Smith has now officially apologized to Chris Rock:

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”

 

[Crimson]

While not particularly relevant except to my own quirks, Jada Pinkett Smith is my least favorite performer in the entire history of show biz. I have disliked her in every single appearance I have ever seen and her inclusion in any project is enough for me to avoid it.

But her exaggeratedly droll eye roll was pretty funny.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

While not particularly relevant except to my own quirks, Jada Pinkett Smith is my least favorite performer in the entire history of show biz. I have disliked her in every single appearance I have ever seen and her inclusion in any project is enough for me to avoid it.

Yes, I've also always disliked her on instinct. Ugh. One of my former work friends once went on about how "cute and adorable" Jada is, and, like ... holy cow... Whadda shmuck.

 

[Rove]

But her exaggeratedly droll eye roll was pretty funny.

At this precise moment many are stating Will is laughing at the joke Chris Rock has just said. Apparently though the camera missed what happened after this. Some have suggested Jada offered her husband a reminder, "I'm am your wife, defend my honor."

I did not watch the event live but something has to be said why Will is laughing at the joke one minute and walks onto to the stage the next. What is funny is the comparisons between this exchange and the shenanigans which occurred at the Oil Baron's Ball on Dallas.

 

[Rove]

Highlighting pay disparities between men and women? Highlighting discrimination against people of colour? Those aren't left issues, they are human rights issues which should transcend left and right.

And yet Will Smith's actions has deprived the thing we all should be talking about...Coda...winning Best Picture. A movie which employed deaf actors. It's a shame no one is talking about this because of one man's anger issues.

 

[Angela Channing]

So True. The actors of a previous era served their country with honor in WW2, and didn't participate in divisive woke political activities
that divide people while vilifying those people who do not support the extreme leftist agendas that these overrated, overpaid, ignorant,
usually poorly educated entertainers try to forcefeed to the populace. It is always interesting to me how people who claim to support
free speech are intolerant to the point of name calling, ostracizing, belittling and cancelling those who don't agree with them
How many people have been publicly harangued on the news media and social media for remarks that are decades old?
Conservative speakers are silenced on college campuses . Books by beloved icons like Dr Seuss have been banned!
Diversity is a desirable goal, but not when a checklist is required for projects that need the best available talent,
resulting in watered down, mediocre outcomes.

The free exchange of ideas is the basis of a healthy society, and the Founding Fathers wisely prioritized it,
They would be horrified at the selective censorship that is now too commonplace

What has this got to do with the Oscars? No one commented on banning of books. There were no extreme leftist agendas on display. Most of the politics was about Ukraine. People who wear blue and white badges and ribbons criticising other for virtue signalling is the height of hypocrisy.

Actors from Hollywood's golden age were as political, if not more so, than actors today. One of them became President for goodness sake, how can you be less political than that? James Stewart made war propaganda films and Bette Davis started the Hollywood Canteen and many of the major stars of the era worked there to support the war effort including Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Donna Reed, Jane Wyman and Gregory Peck. Elizabeth Taylor was an HIV and AIDS activist and Charlton Heston was a high profile supporter of gun rights.

 

[Crimson]

As a moment of awkwardness and anger, The Slap was an unexpectedly raw moment for an awards show -- but this is going to be milked to death, right? All participants are going to do endless interviews; there will probably be some teary reconciliation between Rock and Smith (does Oprah still have a TV show?); and they'll inevitably be co-presenters on next year's Oscars, gently making fun of the debacle. I'm preemptively weary of it.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

While not particularly relevant except to my own quirks, Jada Pinkett Smith is my least favorite performer in the entire history of show biz. I have disliked her in every single appearance I have ever seen and her inclusion in any project is enough for me to avoid it.

But her exaggeratedly droll eye roll was pretty funny.

She was on the TV series "Gotham" in the first year, and I found her completely annoying

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Yes, I've also always disliked her on instinct. Ugh. One of my former work friends once went on about how "cute and adorable" Jada is, and, like ... holy cow... Whadda shmuck.

It was sort of the same with the people I heard praise William Hurt and "how sensitive" he seemed. When, to me, he looked like a mean-ass bully --- which indeed he turned out to be.

Why wasn't it obvious to them?