WHAT’S NEXT FOR WILL?

WHAT SHOULD’VE been an evening celebrating his acting might just cause THE END OF WILL SMITH’S CAREER

THE Oscar should’ve been the cherry on top of a glittering awards season for WILL SMITH – the ultimate prize that would cement his star status in Tinseltown and ensure a future paved with gold and grace.

Instead the King Richard actor’s career is in jeopardy, his reputation in tatters and the industry to which he’s given his all divided. FAREWELL, ACADEMY Will apologised to CHRIS ROCK for slapping him and to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his violent outburst (YOU, 7 April) but there was much talk about expelling him from the academy.

In the end, the matter was taken out of their hands: Will (53) resigned. This means he can no longer vote in the various Oscar categories – as members are entitled to do – but he can still be nominated for and win a golden gong.

The academy consists of more than 10 000 film-industry professionals from around the world. . THE OSCAR PEOPLE AREN’T DONE YET THOUGH Members of the academy accepted Will’s resignation but they’re going ahead with disciplinary proceedings because the star violated conduct standards. Will’s decision to resign might’ve been in the hope of diffusing the situation, one academy member says. “We need authority and clarity – nobody is above the law.”

Will should’ve been apprehended as soon he got up from his seat and walked towards Chris (57), the member adds.

“The minute he walks up to the stage, he violates the live show and should be stopped.” FALLOUT FOR HIS CAREER “The incident shattered a carefully crafted 30-year image of approachable, harmless and always-on movie star charisma,” Forbes magazine says.

Now Will’s upcoming projects could be on the line, including the Apple TV+ slave drama Emancipation and Netflix’s upcoming action thriller Fast and Loose, both of which he was set to star in.

“It remains uncertain whether Netflix will return to developing Fast and Loose and, if so, whether the streamer would seek a new star for the project,” an industry insider says.

Meanwhile, Chris is experiencing a surge in popularity. Tickets for the comedian’s Ego Death World Tour, which kicked off in the US this month, have been selling like hot cakes and increased from $46 (R667) to $361 (R5 234) on secondary market platform TickPick.

Oscars presenter Chris Rock was slapped by Will Smith after cracking a joke about the actor’s wife, who suffers from hair loss. Jada Pinkett Smith and Will with his Oscar. The actress’ hair loss is caused by the autoimmune disease alopecia.