Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock at Oscars Ceremony

Incident overshadows Smith's Best Actor win just minutes later

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:10am

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On March 27, 2022, actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony after Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith later won the Oscar for Best Actor but resigned from the Academy and received a 10-year ban from the Oscars.

Why it matters

The incident sparked widespread controversy and debate about appropriate behavior at awards shows and the implications of violence, even in response to perceived insults. It also raised questions about the Academy's handling of the situation and its disciplinary actions against Smith.

The details

During the live Oscars telecast, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, comparing her to the character G.I. Jane. This angered Will Smith, who then walked on stage and slapped Rock across the face. Smith returned to his seat and shouted at Rock to 'keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth.' Just minutes later, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in 'King Richard.'

  • The incident occurred on March 27, 2022, during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.
  • Will Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor just minutes after slapping Chris Rock.

The players

Will Smith

An American actor who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2022, shortly after slapping Chris Rock on stage.

Chris Rock

An American comedian who was presenting at the 2022 Oscars when he made a joke that angered Will Smith.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Will Smith's wife, whose shaved head was the subject of Chris Rock's joke that prompted the slapping incident.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The organization that awards the Oscars and disciplined Will Smith by banning him from the ceremony for 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

— Will Smith

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night's show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

— Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars for 10 years as a result of the incident.

The takeaway

The slapping incident at the 2022 Oscars ceremony highlighted the need for greater accountability and decorum at high-profile awards shows, as well as the complex issues surrounding the public response to perceived insults or disrespect.