Will Smith’s ‘Emancipation’ Set For December Release Despite Oscars Slap

Topline

The Will Smith-starring movie Emancipation will be released in theaters and on streaming in December, Apple announced Monday, after initial reports that Apple would delay the film until next year since Smith was banned from attending the Academy Awards for ten years for slapping Chris Rock at this year’s ceremony.

Key Facts

Emancipation will hit theaters on December 2, and will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on December 9, Apple said in a video teaser.

In May, Variety reported that Apple was pushing the film to 2023, though sources told the New York Times last month the company was still discussing a late 2022 release.

Key Background

In Emancipation, which is based on a true story, Smith portrays an enslaved man who joins the Union Army during the Civil War. The film had a $120 million budget and was expected to be a potential Oscars contender, especially for its leading man, until Smith and Rock’s public altercation, which was prompted by a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Though Smith is barred from attending the Oscars for the next decade, he can still be nominated for awards. It’s not clear if Smith will be submitted and marketed for another Best Actor award since he cannot be present to accept it if he wins, or if members of the Academy will vote for him to receive it. However, movies that expect to receive awards consideration are often released at the end of the year. Smith won his first Oscar this spring for his role in King Richard. He has been nominated two other times, for The Pursuit Of Happyness and Ali.

Tangent

When Rock made an onstage joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s bald head, which was caused by alopecia, Will Smith got up, marched onstage and slapped the comedian across the face. The actor later released an apology video in July, saying, “‘I’m Sorry’ isn’t really sufficient.’”

Further Reading

Will Smith Speaks Out For First Time On Oscars Slap: ‘I’m Sorry Isn’t Really Sufficient’ (Forbes)

Jada Pinkett Smith Launches Alopecia Special On ‘Red Table Talk’ After Oscars Slap (Forbes)

Will Smith Banned From Oscars For 10 Years (Forbes)

Will Smith’s ‘Emancipation’ Delayed: Here’s Where His Projects Stand After Oscars Slap (Forbes)