Unless you have been living under a rock, I am sure that you have heard about, if not seen for yourself, the video of Will Smith walking across the stage and laying one on the chin of Chris Rock. This was in response to a comment from Rock where he referred to Smiths’ Wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, as “G.I. Jane,”; making light of her shaven head. Everyone was laughing at first, including you, Will! The video doesn’t lie, except for Pinkett Smith, who was clearly bothered by the comments. I am not sure what she said to Will, but it must have been inspiring to get him to promptly leave his seat and do what he did.
Let’s not waste any time debating the legality or ethics of what occurred; that’s boring anyway. Instead, see this is as the perfect excuse to bring up a few other eye-raising moments in Oscars history.
Marlon Brando Declines His Oscar – 1973
The man who is seen by many as the greatest actor that there ever was, opted out of the 1973 Academy Awards where he was nominated, and won, for his role as Vito Corleone in this little film called the Godfather.
Why?
He was protesting the portrayal of Native-Americans in Hollywood. This was perfectly in line with who Brando was at the time. He was a visible and vocal supporter of the civil-rights movement of the 1960s, the Black Panther Party, and in the 1940s he was a big proponent of a free Jewish State. He made many a donations to the cause including the jewish militia organization known as Irgun.
On this night he sent a young Native American woman named Sacheen Littlefeather to the ceremony in his place to read a message he had prepared.
Adrien Brody Kisses Halle Berry – 2003
Someone was a little too ” caught up in the moment” after winning best actor for his work in “The Pianist”. My first though: imagine if this happened today?!
Joaquin Phoenix Just Keeps Talking – 2020
The Streaker – 1974
What’s crazier then a naked guy running on the stage at the 1974 Oscars? Probably how composed Actor David Niven was in the face of the interruption.
That “Cats” Skit – 2020
I was embarrassed on behalf of Rebel Wilson and James Corden for this one. What were they thinking?! On the other hand, a skit from “Cats” performed at the oscars is the closest that this movie will ever be to an academy award.