The Oscars 2022 will leave only the slap of Will Smith to Chris Rock in the collective memory. And already, the consequences on the image of the interpreter of Men in black are felt. Under the influence of disciplinary proceedings after the attack on the comedian in the middle of the Oscars ceremony, Will Smith took the lead and announced Friday his resignation from the organization which awards the prestigious trophies.
“This is a clear indication that we [à Hollywood] are no longer the club of cool people”, a reacted Tuesday Jim Carrey on CBS Morningwho said he was sickened to see the standing ovation from the public when Will Smith received the Oscar for best actor for his role in The Williams Method.
One of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors
If the reactions were slow on the evening of the incident, the criticisms have multiplied in recent days, to the point of wondering about the future of the actor’s career. For Michael Levine, historical agent in Hollywood, this gesture will “deeply harm” Will Smith. “Who is going to raise their hand right now and say, ‘I want to do a movie with Will Smith’? “, questions this Saturday on CBC the one who had among his clients Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Dave Chappelle.
For over thirty years, Will Smith has been one of Hollywood’s most profitable actors. His films gross more than $9 billion at the box office, and his net worth is estimated at at least $350 million, details The Guardian. He is one of the few actors whose name alone can guarantee a $100 million box office. But is he invulnerable?
No one is “too big to fail”
“I don’t think anyone is too big to fail,” agent Charles McDonald told the British newspaper, recalling that in recent years entertainment personalities once considered untouchable have been quickly dethroned, thanks in particular to the movement #metoo. But all is not lost, he said. “I think Will Smith can resurface – if he does the right thing at the right time.”
“I can’t imagine a world where directors refuse to work with Will Smith,” a big name in cinema told Anonymous. Variety. But he may have alienated some of his audience.” The actor is expected in Emancipation, a thriller about slavery on Apple +. The firm’s reaction to the bitten apple will give a good indication of the damage the slap has had on Will Smith’s career, analyzes Sharon Waxman, editor-in-chief of The Wrap on the website of the BBC. “If they decide to push it back, I think that will give an idea of the fact that they don’t want to be associated with Will Smith this year”, she analyzes. For now, the star has played contrition to limit damage. To see if this will be enough.