Chris Rock, the US comedian, might host the 2023 Oscars despite the controversial stage slap incident this year.
Will Smith, the Hollywood actor, was on the receiving end of heated public backlash after he infamously smacked Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
This was after Rock joked about the movie ‘G.I. Jane’, touching on the hair loss of Jada Pinkett, Smith’s wife.
On Friday, it emerged that Craig Erwich, ABC president, is open to having Rock as a host for the 2023 award event.
According to The Jasmine Brand, Rock might be getting the opportunity to host the Oscars for the second time.
“My assessment of the Oscars was that it was really a successful year for the show. Obviously, there were a lot of controversies, which overshadowed a lot of the positive things about the show,” Erwich was quoted as saying.
“But I was really happy with the program. Even before that very unfortunate moment, the show started off year over year, and we came back in a big way.”
Erwich said he does regret the Smith and Rock incident but thinks that the award event is moving in a positive direction.
“It was the biggest bounce-back of any award show this season. If you look at what they were trying to do, which is really bring entertainment back to the program, they had three amazing hosts, clips, and incredible performances,” he added.
“I thought it was a great way for the show to reclaim its place on the mantle. There are always things to learn and we’ll endeavor to do even better next year.”
This wouldn’t be the first time that Rock would host the Academy Awards. Back in 2016, the comedian had taken the stage amid concerns about the award show being white-dominated and protests against racism in Hollywood.
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