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Jim Carrey, star of the upcoming Paramount film Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is slamming the Academy Awards audience for the standing ovation it gave to Will Smith for his victory in the Best Actor category. The Oscar was the first-ever for Smith in his illustrious career, but the moment fell flat due to an on-stage altercation that overshadowed the long-awaited victory.
Smith was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category for his performance in King Richard and had heavy momentum heading into the ceremony, prompting many to believe the actor would obtain his first-ever victory. During the ceremony, however, the actor engaged in an altercation with comedian Chris Rock over a joke made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Rock appeared on stage to present the nominees in the Best Documentary category but began with some jokes in typical Rock fashion. The altercation sparked due to a joke made about Smith's wife's shaved head. The comment triggered Smith to walk on stage and smack Rock across the face during the live telecast.
Smith was allowed to stay for the rest of the award ceremony and eventually obtained his victory in the Best Actor category. After the announcement, Smith walked on stage to accept his award to applause and gave a speech where he apologized to the Academy for his actions. While many cheered Smith's long-awaited victory, Carrey was sickened by the actor's reception after his on-stage incident. "I was sickened," expressed Carrey while speaking with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. "I was sickened by the standing ovation. Hollywood is just spineless en masse, and it really felt like this is a really clear indication that we aren't the cool club anymore."
Rock informed police officials that he would not be filing a report against Smith, who could face assault and battery charges. Carrey understands the hassle Rock is trying to avoid, but stated that he would have taken a different approach because of the magnitude of the Oscars moment. "I'd have announced this morning that I was suing Will for $200 million because that video is going to be there forever, it's going to be ubiquitous," stated Carrey. "That insult is gonna last a very long time. If you want to yell from the audience and show disapproval or say something on Twitter fine. But you do not have the right to walk up on stage and smack somebody in the face because they said words."
Smith later issued an apology to Rock the night after the Academy Awards but still will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. The Academy, whose leadership felt upset and incredibly outraged over the altercation, has promised to take appropriate action over the incident, noting the dark cloud it cast over what should have been a night of celebration for so many. Carry noted this sentiment as well, stating, "I have nothing against Will Smith. He's done great things, but that was not a good moment. It cast a shadow over everyone's shining moment last night. It was a selfish moment." It's unclear what steps the Academy will take to address the situation, but leadership intends to meet this week to discuss things further.
Despite Smith's apology, the altercation will live in infamy as one of the more shocking televised moments in the Oscars ceremony's history. Several critical moments in the ceremony that followed the incident went unnoticed and failed to receive the desired attention they rightfully deserved. Carrey, like most, understands that there are deeper issues at play that resulted in the unfortunate moments between Smith and Rock, but the stage is not where Smith should have revealed those emotions.
Source: CBS Mornings/Twitter