Even before its release on Apple TV+, Will Smith’s next film could be snubbed by the Oscars because of the actor’s behavior at the last ceremony.
In Emancipation, a film that will be released on December 9 on Apple TV+, Will Smith portrays a man who tries to escape slavery in order to gain his freedom. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), the feature film has (or had) every chance of being selected for the Oscars.
Only here, the famous slap given by the actor to Chris Rock during the last ceremony has still not passed and seems to compromise his presence at the ceremony.
The American media The Hollywood Reporter went directly to ask the question to a dozen voters to find out if Smith had any chance. And the findings are quite mixed. If the latter will watch Emancipation in order to judge whether its quality deserves a nomination, it is another matter for Will Smith.
“Even though he excels in the film, we’ll find it hard to watch him without thinking about his slap in the face. It will be hard to judge him on merit, whether it’s him or the film”, “no chance for me to vote for him”, “I hope he will not be nominated. I don’t want a new drama this year. If he is nominated, I will not vote for him. It doesn’t matter how well he performs.” “Am I going to vote for Smith? It is ABSOLUTELY NOT IN QUESTION”.
If some members of the Academy come to nuance these remarks and want to give it a chance, they are nevertheless surprised by Apple’s strategy which will release the film in time for the awards season. The first screening of Emancipation was in any case a success, as we tell you here. If voters continue to shun Will Smith, it remains to be seen whether viewers will have forgiven him for his gesture…