'CODA' wins the Oscar in a streaming breakthrough, but Will Smith steals the show
CNN
"CODA" was named best picture, but that breakthrough win for a streaming service at the Oscars, film industry's biggest night, was overshadowed by one spontaneous act, as Will Smith delivered the sort of viral moment that will be remembered and talked about for years.
The most memorable exchange on the film industry's biggest night wasn't the kind anyone would have anticipated or wanted. Before winning his Oscar for "King Richard," Smith seemed upset about a joke that Chris Rock told about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, marching to the stage and appearing strike him across the face. Rock looked genuinely stunned, while Smith returned to his seat, shouting words that were bleeped out at Rock.
Wiping away tears, Smith during his acceptance speech referenced that the character he played, Richard Williams, protected his family, then said, without specifically mentioning Rock or what happened, "I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees." He added, "Love will make you do crazy things."
What the world needs now is a fight over the internet’s favorite animal.
It’s hard to remember a year in which the Academy Award winners were so up in the air. Except probably one, of course — Jessie Buckley, from “Hamnet.”
The show formerly known as the SAG Awards is set to take place on Sunday, and it will be the last major stop for many nominees before the Oscars on March 15.
Connor Storrie’s meteoric rise — which has seen him go from the world of food service to an internet-dominating television series in just a few months — has left endless possibilities open for the Texas-born actor, whose name is surely being uttered in many a Hollywood casting room these days.