Chris Rock Could Host Oscars 2023 Despite Controversial Will Smith Slap

Chris Rock could host the Oscars 2023 even after the controversial Will Smith slap in Oscars 2022.

The possibility of the comedian taking over the next Academy Awards was made clear by ABC's president of entertainment, Craig Erwich, according to Deadline.

Independent noted that next year's award ceremony will be aired on ABC without Will Smith in attendance following the punishment vested to him by The Academy.

"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, but I was really happy with the program," Erwich noted.

The network's president of entertainment also added that Oscars 2022 came back in a good way even before the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for cracking a joke about the actor's wife.

Oscars 2022 was hosted by Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer. It gathered around 60 percent in the audience and 73 percent in key demos from the hostless Oscars 2021 capturing 16.6 million viewers.

"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," Erwich further noted.

Oscars 2023 is set to air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Meanwhile, its nomination will be announced on January 24 next year.

Wanda Sykes Still Not Over Will Smith Slap on Chris Rock

Hollywood may be moving on from the infamous Will Smith slap on Chris Rock with the possibility of the comedian hosting the Academy Awards next year, but Wanda Sykes is not yet over the incident.

In an interview with People magazine, Sykes revealed that she was still "traumatized" by what happened in the event between Rock and Smith, per New York Post.

"I can't talk about it. I get emotional... I couldn't believe he [Smith] was still sitting there, like a - - hole. Shouldn't you be sitting there with a lawyer or LAPD, motherf - - ker," Sykes told the publication.

It was not the first time that Sykes spoke blatant words against Will Smith. The comedian also expressed her frustrations when she was on the Ellen DeGeneres show, claiming that she was grossed out when the organizers of The Academy let Smith in his seat and accepted his award.

"I just felt so awful for my friend Chris. It was sickening. I physically felt ill," Wanda Sykes underscored.

Oscars 2022: Will Smith Slap on Chris Rock

Will Smith and Chris Rock made headlines after the actor slapped the comedian for cranking up a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith during the awards show.

Smith issued an apology a day after the incident. However, The Academy still decided to ban the actor for at least 10 years in the aftermath of his violent reaction.

Academy members called on Smith to voluntarily turn over his Oscars following the slap, but the organizers of the Oscars insisted that it does not have the authority to claim the actor's Oscars back.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: How Chris Rock Spent Oscars Night After Will Smith Slapped Him (Source) - From Entertainment Tonight