According to the film academy, the investigation into Will Smith’s slap at the Oscars is expected to last several weeks.
This was announced by Dawn Hudson, executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Academy President David Rubin in a letter to Academy members published by several US industry publications.
“This is a time of healing”
Smith’s wife, meanwhile, spoke publicly. Jada Pinkett Smith (50) shared a picture on Instagram on Tuesday (local time) with the caption: “This is a time of healing and I am ready for it.” She did not give any further explanation. Will Smith had previously apologized for his failure at the Oscars on his Instagram profile.
Comedian Chris Rock joked about Jada’s shaved head onstage at Sunday night’s show. The actress rolled her eyes. In the past she had often spoken about her hair loss due to illness. Will Smith ran onto the stage and slapped Rock.
The Film Academy now wrote: The 94th Academy Awards should be “a celebration of the many people in our community who have done incredible work over the past year”. “We are dismayed and outraged that these moments were overshadowed by a contestant’s unacceptable and harmful conduct on stage.”
Gerd Nefzer: “A bloody stupid action”
Gerd Nefzer, who won his second Oscar at the Academy Awards with the special effects for “Dune”, has a similar view. The slap in the face is now the overshadowing topic, the 56-year-old regretted. He and his wife could have heard the clapping of the slap further away from the stage.
Nefzer said he initially thought it was a show and only later realized what had happened there. “Of course it was a really stupid action,” said the special effects artist of the German Press Agency on Tuesday evening, shortly after his return to his home town of Schwäbisch Hall.
“I thought that was silly from Will Smith, but also not okay from Chris Rock. When a woman has an illness like that, you don’t have to joke about it.” His suggestion for the film academy: “I would drag the two colleagues on stage in front of the camera, where everyone apologizes to everyone with a handshake.”
“As set out in our charter, the Board of Directors of the Academy will now make a decision on appropriate action for Mr. Smith,” Variety magazine quoted the film academy’s letter as saying. “As required by California law governing members of nonprofit organizations such as the Academy, and as set out in our Code of Conduct, this must be done through an official process that will take a few weeks.”
Nefzer now prefers to remember the unforgettable experiences of the night and his triumph. It was his second Oscar win. In 2018 he and his effects colleagues won the coveted trophy for working together on “Blade Runner 2049”. Even now he was shaking again and had goosebumps. “But when it said ‘and the Oscar goes to ‘Dune’, then it was just pure joy and adrenaline,” says Nefzer about the big moment. Unfortunately, the music was quickly turned up on stage. He only got involved with one short “thank you. Thank you very much”.
Huge vibes at the Vanity Fair party
The party lasted late into the night. “All hell broke loose at the Vanity Fair party,” Nefzer said. With the Oscar in hand, there was a snapshot with Hollywood star Nicole Kidman and a photo with legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. “You really noticed that after Corona and the war and all the terrible news, everyone was happy to celebrate again and meet people face to face.”
For the visually stunning science fiction epic, Nefzer primarily created effects with sandstorms, dust and wind. And shortly after winning the Oscar, the “Dune” sequel continues. “I still have to pack trucks, load wind machines and other equipment,” says Nefzer. They would fly to Budapest on Monday, where filming for “Dune 2” will start in April. “When Villeneuve calls, I’ll be there, no ifs or buts.”
The Swabian was able to savor the return to Germany with the second Oscar in hand. After landing in Munich, he was allowed to pose in the pilot’s seat in the aircraft cockpit. At home there was a hearty celebration with Swabian food. “My mother made buttered pretzels. I needed something other than champagne and appetizers.” (dpa)