For his part in the eagerly awaited movie “Emancipation,” actor Will Smith is already getting a cool response from Oscar voters.
After his controversial slapping of Chris Rock, several Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences members claim they’ll never support him.
Apple plans to release the Smith-led Civil War drama on its streaming service in December – less than a year after Smith stormed the stage to confront over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Emancipation” can be considered for the current awards season due to the release window.
However, many Oscar voters polled by The Hollywood Reporter stated that they are hesitant to back Smith for a “best actor” nomination or any other honours in light of the incident.
Would I support Smith in a vote? NO F-KING WAY, said Lawrence David Foldes, a voter from the Academy’s producers wing.
According to Foldes, “His disgraceful violent outburst and pitiful snivelling ‘acceptance’ speech witnessed by millions — as well as his blatant disdain of the Academy — should bar him from any consideration and recognition from AMPAS members for life.
“Large sigh. No way in hell would I vote for him,” a member of the executive branch who shall remain nameless joked about Smith.
Will Smith: “Would I vote for him? After I cast my ballot for Trump,” a member of the marketing and public relations department chimed in. ”
Another voter made their position clearer.
“F-k him. So, no,” said an unnamed voting branch representative from marketing/public relations.
Apple has been contacted by The Post for comment.
After spending $120 million for the distribution rights to “Emancipation,” Apple was presented with a significant dilemma regarding how to handle the movie’s release. Prior to “The Slap,” the leaders of the digital firm apparently thought the drama would win the Oscar.
Apple was debating internally as recently as last month whether to release the movie this year or push it off until 2023 due to worries that Smith’s involvement may damage the company’s standing with the Academy.
After Rock joked about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, Smith slapped him. Pinkett Smith had been candid about her battle with the alopecia condition that causes hair loss.
Only a few minutes after the slap, Smith received the best actor Oscar for his performance in the film “King Richard.” Later, he expressed regret for his behaviour and left the Academy. He is also prohibited from going to any Academy functions for the following ten years.
Some Oscar voters were more kind in their criticism of Smith, pointing out that a large number of crew workers contributed to the making of the film and should be honoured.
As one voter in the sound branch put it, “Stopping the release of a film because its star said something disrespectful harms the entire production and the hundreds of people who worked on it.” If you are so offended, don’t watch. If you’re so outraged, don’t cast your vote for Smith. Everyone has that right.
Others, meanwhile, believed that following Smith’s experience, Apple ought to have completely shelved the film.
“Smith embarrassed the Academy, his peers and people of color so badly with that reckless behavior that I will not vote for him no matter what, and Apple should not release the film for Academy or other consideration,” another voter said.
At a special showing of “Emancipation” held by the NAACP in October, the audience cheered. Smith is in this movie. Smith plays an escaped slave in the drama who subsequently enlists in the Union Army and rebels against his masters.
“Emancipation” will be released in theatres on December 2 and made streamable a week later, on December 9.
