Academy President says Oscars' response to Will Smith-Chris Rock slapgate was inadequate

The 95th Academy Awards will be held at Los Angeles' Dolly Theatre on March 12, 2023. A month ahead of Hollywood's biggest night, this year’s nominees attended the annual luncheon in Los Angeles, on Monday. During her speech, Academy president Janet Yang welcomed the nominees and also mentioned last year's Will Smith-Chris Rock slapgate that made headlines.

She said that the organisation’s response to Will slapping Chris at the 2022 Oscars ceremony was 'inadequate' and that 'they must act swiftly, compassionately and decisively' on similar issues in the future.

‘We learned from this that the academy must be fully transparent and accountable in our actions and particularly in times of crisis you must act swiftly, compassionately and decisively for ourselves and for our industry. You should and can expect no less form us going forward,’ Yang said.

She also mentioned that all categories will be shown live on the March 12 ABC telecast and acceptance speeches at the ceremony have to be kept to 45 seconds. Last year, several Oscars were handed out in a pre-telecast ceremony and edited versions of winners’ speeches were squeezed into the main show.

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