Chris Rock closes the door on hosting the Oscars after the incident with Will Smith
Four years after the historic and controversial episode that occurred at the Academy Awards gala, renowned comedian Chris Rock has made it clear that he has no intention of returning as master of ceremonies for the prestigious awards show. Having hosted the event in 2005 and 2016, the artist considers that his time at the helm of the Oscars has come to an end.
In recent statements, Rock expressed his respect for those who take on the challenge of hosting the gala, highlighting the talent of figures like Conan O’Brien or Nikki Glaser. Although he did not close the door absolutely, he admitted with sincerity that his time in that role has likely passed.
I’m not going to say never, but, honestly, my time may have passed. The only way I would go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not going to be nominated. And that’s okay. You have to manage your expectations.
Chris Rock
A new stage in film direction
Currently, Rock’s focus is on his role as a director with his new film, Misty Green. This production marks his return to directing after a 12-year absence and features a standout cast that includes Rosalind Eleazar, Daniel Kaluuya, Anna Kendrick, and Adam Driver.
- Plot: The film follows a former Hollywood star who tries to maintain her status after a financial crisis.
- Protagonist: Rosalind Eleazar plays Misty Green, a woman struggling to balance her personal life and caring for her brother.
- Coincidence: Curiously, the film includes a scene where a character must decide whether to forgive someone who hit a colleague, a detail the director himself confessed not to have linked to his personal experience until it was pointed out.
The memory of the slap
The 2022 incident, where Will Smith assaulted Rock on stage following a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, remains a recurring topic. The Academy responded at the time by imposing a ten-year ban on Smith from attending its events.
When asked about his current feelings regarding that moment, Rock maintained a stance of restraint and professionalism, avoiding letting the past overshadow his current work.
I wish none of it had happened. But I don’t want to say anything that takes the attention away from Rosalind and how great she is in this movie. It’s a crazy world; me having a bad day is not the most important thing.
Chris Rock
With this new project, Chris Rock seeks to leave controversies behind and focus on his artistic evolution, maintaining control of his expectations and prioritizing his film career over the media events of the past.
