It seemed as if the film selection for this season's award shows was a bit skimpy as the same nominations and winners appeared to have swept various award shows both here and abroad. This meant that watching the Oscars last evening felt like a Bafta, Critics' Choice, etc. re-do save for one unexpected blow.
Given that the US doesn't allow much profane language on broadcast television, I had thought that the audio on my TV were faulty. Chris Rock had come on stage to present an award for Best Documentary and I hit FF on the remote control to skip to the name being read as I don't particularly care for Chris Rock's humor. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels that way. Pressing play at what I thought was a good moment in the broadcast, I was treated to many seconds of visuals with no sound. I lip read what looked to be an angry exchange between Rock and Oscar nominee, Will Smith. I hadn't quite seen the slap to Rock's face, so it took me a beat to realise that this back and forth wasn't a 'bit'; it was an assault.
Australian television isn't afraid of a little coarse language, so I later watched the whole interaction courtesy of Twitter between the two men and it wasn't pretty. What confounds me is that we cut the audio but not the visuals? One could see that Will Smith had flipped his lid. Even more disturbing is that he was allowed to return to his seat after slapping the dickens out of someone. This type of behavior is, by the way, illegal in California. And, SPOILER!, Smith was then awarded an Oscar and allowed to give (a rather bizarre) speech. Absolutely nuts.
I haven't watched it, but have read about it. Big sigh.
ReplyDeleteVery upsetting.
DeleteThe joke was out of line. I generally like Rock's comedy, but in that instance he was definitely punching down. As for the assault, the question is, did Rock press charges?
ReplyDeleteAs far as I understand it, he did not.
DeleteYeah, that whole incident was tawdry.
ReplyDeleteNuts!
DeleteAnd I only learned of it on the news this morning.
ReplyDeleteIt was so bizarre...
DeleteA lot of things happened that should not have happened. Making fun of someone especially when she has an ailment is not a done thing. Will Smith's behavior after that was more bizarre. Where are the securities/police who should have taken immediate action after a physical assault. All said and done I still don't get the fixation of people who like to use the F word very liberally.
ReplyDeleteNo, I shouldn't think so. And I recall Rock making a doc about Black women's' hair that was thoughtful and engaging in recent years.
DeleteThe more that standards of behaviour deteriorate, especially in the media, the more I think that our Mrs Mary Whitehouse, much mocked at the time, was right.
ReplyDeleteOnly knowing a bit about her legacy, I would agree with you.
DeleteM.C.s make very vicious jokes about the rich and famous. I might have slapped him myself, but maybe not so hard.
ReplyDeleteThe joke referenced a 30 yr old film--not terribly funny. Surprised Gervais, who I find hilarious, did not ever get punched hosting the Golden Globes.
DeleteAbsolutely nuts is a perfect way to describe it and probably the whole Hollywood scene. It was a crazy and bizarre evening.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was not rad.
DeleteI was viewing the Oscars live so witnessed that bizarre bit of theatre that seemed like a joke at first.
ReplyDeleteTotally thought it was a bit, too. Very jarring sight.
DeleteDear Bea, I seldom watch the Oscars because I rarely go to the movies. However, in the days since this happened, it's been on the news repeatedly. Smith's apology (sort of) and then his being barred (sort of). Given what's happening in Ukraine and our own country's possible demotion of democracy, I find myself really bemused that so much attention is being paid to this bad behavior by the media. I don't think that I've really entered the 21st century yet. And I continue to be bemused/astounded/befuddled by the media's lack of understanding about what is real news. Peace.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteMaking blog rounds and waving hello. Hope all is well with you. Was pretty sure I had been here and read this post, and left a comment; but I don't see it. Strange. The whole thing was disgusting. I'm glad Will's been suspended.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
Making blog rounds again and waving hello. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sandy! Will pop over to visit you soon.
DeleteWaving hi, as I make my blog rounds. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDelete