Four years after Will Smith slapped him on the Dolby Theatre stage during the 2022 Academy Awards, Chris Rock has addressed the incident in a new interview with Variety, stating that he does not plan to return as host of the ceremony unless he receives an acting nomination.
Chris Rock Rules Out Oscar Hosting Return Unless Nominated
Speaking with Variety during the press tour for his upcoming directorial project, Chris Rock clarified his stance on ever leading Hollywood’s biggest night again. Having previously hosted the Academy Awards in 2005 and 2016, the comedian and director stated that his tenure in that specific role has likely concluded. According to Variety, Rock explained that questioning about hosting duties often feels disrespectful to current contenders, noting that talents like Conan O’Brien and Nikki Glaser handle major hosting gigs effectively. While he did not entirely close the door on the possibility, Rock told Variety that the only scenario where he would step back onto the Oscar stage as host is if he earns an official nomination for his work.
“I’m not going to be nominated,” Rock told Variety regarding his prospects. “The only way I would go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not going to be nominated. And that’s fine. We’ll deal with it if it happens. Like, you’ve got to manage expectations.”
Reflecting on the 2022 Incident and Balancing Public Attention
Following the altercation, Smith returned to his seat and yelled at Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. The Academia de Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas subsequently banned Smith from attending any Academy events or programs for ten years, a penalty stretching until April 2032. Smith issued public apologies shortly after the incident.
When asked by Variety how he currently views the event, Rock offered a direct assessment. “I wish nothing had happened,” Rock told Variety. He added that he avoids dwelling on the controversy to prevent overshadowing his creative collaborators. “I don’t want to say anything that’s going to steal the spotlight from Rosalind and how great she is in this movie,” Rock said, referencing his lead actress. “It’s a crazy world. We walk past homeless people. There’s all kinds of things happening right now. Me having a bad day is not the most important thing; it’s not a big deal.”
Directorial Comeback With Misty Green
Rock’s recent press interviews coincide with the promotional cycle for Misty Green, a drama produced by A24 that marks his return to feature filmmaking 12 years after his 2014 comedy Top Five. According to Hoy and additional coverage, the film centers on Misty Green, a former Hollywood star fighting through financial and professional crisis after the death of her benefactor. The lead role is played by Rosalind Eleazar, known for her work in the television series Slow Horses. The cast also features Daniel Kaluuya, Anna Kendrick, Adam Driver, and Rock himself. Misty Green is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Festival Internacional de Cine de Toronto before an anticipated theatrical rollout.
Worth a look