Free Republic

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Friday in the face of possible suspension or expulsion from the organization after he slapped Chris Rock during the Oscars last weekend. In a resignation statement, Smith said he would accept any consequences imposed by the Academy’s Board of Governors for his actions. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” Smith said in the statement, obtained by Variety. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived...

Oscars producer Will Packer revealed the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told Chris Rock backstage at the Academy Awards after Will Smith punched him in the face that what the actor did was “battery,” and that they were prepared to “arrest him.” In an interview with Good Morning America, Packer explained police officers were immediately on the scene backstage after the attack, telling Rock what his rights were, and informing the comedian that they were prepared to arrest the actor. Packer said the LAPD “came into my office, and they were laying out very clearly what Chris’ rights were. They...

Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall have been set to host the 94th Oscars, which is returning to an emcee format for the first time since 2018. Deadline confirmed the news Monday. (snip) The search for host went through all kinds of manifestations. It has long been considered a thankless job, and that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. But last year’s host-less debacle made it clear they needed someone to center the telecast. The Academy first approached Dwayne Johnson, who took a pass. Entreaties to tandems like Pete Davidson and John Mulaney, and Steve Martin and Martin Short,...