Film roles at risk as Smith quits Academy over Oscars slap
WILL SMITH has resigned from the Oscars Academy, saying he will accept “any additional consequences” it deems necessary for slapping Chris Rock, as Hollywood insiders say his future projects “hang in the balance”.
In a statement, Smith promised to never again let violence “overtake reason”. But film industry insiders say the next two weeks could define the rest of his career.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is investigating his behaviour and could levy a heftier sanction on the Oscar-winner when it reaches its conclusions on April 18.
One outcome could be that he is stripped of his Best Actor award, though Whoopi Goldberg, an Academy board member, downplayed that possibility.
“Production executives and studio chiefs do not want to be seen picking a side too early,” a source told The Sun. “Things are hanging in the balance.”
Smith’s projects include Emancipation, a drama for Apple TV, and a remake of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, starring opposite Kevin Hart for Paramount. Questions have also been raised over whether pre-production for Bad Boys 4 will continue.
“His brand is damaged goods,” Mike Paul, a public relations expert, told The New York Times.
Jonathan Murray, a TV producer, said: “Most people would give him the benefit of the doubt. But it really will rest on whether we believe that he is authentically dealing with this.”
Smith said: “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”