'If it’s the Rock, I run': Host Jimmy Kimmel jokes as he prepares to tackle another Oscar night slap
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Jimmy Kimmel, the host of the 2023 Academy Awards, has revealed his plans in case there's a repeat of the infamous slap incident. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, host Kimmel joked about his response to another possible onstage slap, saying, "If I'm bigger than they are, I beat the s**t out of them on television. And if it’s the Rock, I run." Kimmel also revealed that he hadn't been informed about the Oscar crisis committee's inner workings, which has supposedly 'run many scenarios' for potential events.
When asked about these scenarios, Kimmel said, “I feel like I should at least know what was discussed so I know what I should fear when I walk onstage,” he quipped. “But, really, I suspect it mostly has to do with UFOs.” He also reflected on hosting during the 2017 Best Picture fiasco, where 'La La Land' was mistakenly announced as the winner. "Being part of the second-biggest f**k up doesn't carry as much cachet," he said as per The Hollywood Reporter.
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'I'm not a victim': Chris Rock mocks Will Smith Oscars slap on Netflix live, fans say it's 'revenge'
I stole these. #Oscars95 March 12th on ABC! pic.twitter.com/QIwWZ6NwBM
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) February 22, 2023
What was the infamous Oscars slap about?
At the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith was involved in an altercation with comedian Chris Rock, which resulted in Smith being banned from the gala and other Academy events for 10 years. The incident occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head due to alopecia, leading Smith to slap the comedian and shout expletives at him. Despite the incident, Smith stayed for the ceremony and even went on to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard. He later resigned from the Academy, and it took several more days for them to decide on his membership status.
Oscars prepares for worst-case scenarios
The Oscars introduced a 'crisis team' after Will Smith's slap incident in 2022. The Academy has opened its minds to potential incidents and run scenarios to be "prepared for anything." Academy CEO Bill Kramer says they are now quicker to react and can gather 'very quickly' to issue a response on the night of the show. "Because of last year, we've opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars," he said. "Let's hope something doesn't happen and we never have to use these [plans], but we already have frameworks in place that we can modify," Kramer said as per BBC. The Oscars ceremony is set for Sunday, March 12.
'Third time's the most charming'
Kimmel is set to host the 95th Oscars on Sunday, March 12, with promos declaring that 'third time's the most charming'. Kimmel previously hosted the awards ceremony in 2017 and 2019, and his return is viewed as a safe choice during a challenging time for the Academy and the wider awards show industry. Academy CEO Bill Kramer praised Kimmel's ability to handle live television and a live audience, noting that he is "funny, respectful, [and] his edges aren't too sharp." In 2017, Kimmel successfully guided the Oscars back on track after 'La La Land' was mistakenly announced as the winner of Best Picture.