Why Did Will Smith Slap Chris Rock at the Oscars?
Will Smith and Chris Rock's History Predates the Oscars
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Smith took home the award for best actor in a leading role at the 2022 Oscars, and offered an apology as part of his acceptance speech. "I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all the nominees," he said. Smith added that before returning to the stage, Denzel Washington — who comforted Smith after his incident with Rock — told the "King Richard" star, "At your highest moment, be careful; that's when the devil comes for you." Smith concluded his speech jokingly saying, "[I] hope the Academy invites me back."