“We do not want you to go officially. We want you to stay. ”
Will Packer, the producer of this year’s Oscars, quickly presented Oscar nominee Will Smith within 45 minutes of host Chris Rock’s stage performance at the Dolby Theater.
For those who saw the play on stage and behind the scenes on March 27, the exact memories of what happened after the slap were confusing and paradoxical.
The most controversial points include: A statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences states that Smith “was asked to leave the ceremony, but he refused.” The Smith team did not accept the nature of the request.
The Times spoke to more than a dozen people at the Oscars that night or indirectly knew what had happened, and some things became clear through the conversations.
Due to the sensitivity of the situation, no source wanted to mention their name. Smith’s academy and delegates declined to comment.
“I think everyone has their truth,” one of the sources commented. “Five people know what happened that night. In those moments of pressure, things could have been misunderstood on all sides. ”
Tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams – behind the scenes at the Dolby Theater – in support of “King Richard” who was nominated for Best Picture – watched half of the broadcast.
Jake Gillenhall and Joe Gravitz were waiting to walk on stage, as was Kevin Costner, who will soon receive the Oscar for Best Direction.
Then the slapping room became quiet.
Most people thought it was a touch of humor. The good and respected Smith is unlikely to have stepped on stage to punch a rock on live TV because of a joke.
In three decades of successful films, singles and numerous other successful projects, there can be nothing but the image that the star has diligently cultivated.
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