Chris Rock Will Only Return to the Oscars if This One Condition Is Met After 2022 Slapgate
BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 28: Comedian Actor Chris Rock pictured as he and Actress Rosie Perez join New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during his covid-19 press conference to push mask use to protect against Coronavirus spread at Madison Square Boys and Girls Club on May 28, 2020 in Brooklyn, New York City.
BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 28: Comedian Actor Chris Rock pictured as he and Actress Rosie Perez join New York Governor Andrew Cuomo during his covid-19 press conference to push mask use to protect against Coronavirus spread at Madison Square Boys and Girls Club on May 28, 2020 in Brooklyn, New York City.
Chris Rock’s rocky history with the Academy is no secret. In 2022, he became part of one of the Oscars’ biggest pop culture moments alongside Will Smith. The slapgate controversy sparked months of headlines, which not only resulted in Will Smith being banned from the Oscars but it also put his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith under intense scrutiny. After all the fallout, it is hard to imagine either of them returning to the Oscars without bringing back memories of that infamous night. But Rock might return, under one condition.
Rock recently said he is not attending the Oscars unless there is something in it for him.
Chris Rock needs a good reason to return to the Oscars
Chris Rock has not attended the official Oscars ceremony since the 2022 incident where he was slapped on stage by Will Smith, but he has made appearances at Oscar-night parties. When he was recently asked by Variety on how he feels about returning to the Oscars since 2022, Rock stated that he will not be interested unless he gets nominated.
"The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated. And that’s OK. We’ll deal with that if it happens. Like, let’s manage expectations."
via Imago
Credits: Imago
Rock also looked back on the slapgate and wished that nothing would have happened. However, he also downplayed the moment again and acknowledged in the Variety interview that him having a bad bay is not the worst thing in the world. This interview was in regards to Rock's upcoming film Misty Green, which he directed, wrote, and co-starred in. And it seems, Rock has also added an easter egg of the slapgate in the film.
Though likely not by design, Rock had to judge a moment that mirrored the infamous slap.
Misty Green might have a Will Smith Oscar slap easter egg
Misty Green follows the titular character, played by Rosalind Eleazar, a talented actress who is trying to rebuild her life after struggling with addiction. She has only one chance to make a comeback, thanks to an offer from a director from her past named Jordan, played by Chris Rock. Green's career is stalled after she smacks a colleague on the face. Now, Jordan must decide whether or not to forgive her for the violent outburst.
Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Roommates HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - APRIL 13: Chris Rock arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Roommates held at The Egyptian Theatre on April 13, 2026 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin Image Press Agency)
Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Roommates HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - APRIL 13: Chris Rock arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix s Roommates held at The Egyptian Theatre on April 13, 2026 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin Image Press Agency)
Despite the similarities, Rock revealed in the Variety interview that the parallel was completely unintentional and he never thought about it like that until that exact moment. Nonetheless, it is clear that no matter how much Rock tries to move past the 2022 controversy, the press cycle inevitably draw a straight line back to the slap.
What do you think about Chris Rock's condition for attending Oscars? Let us know in the comments!
Edited By: Adiba Nizami
