Will Smith Academy Opens Formal Review Of Oscars Slap ... Condemns His Violence
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences isn't dropping Sunday night's Oscars incident with Will Smith and Chris Rock ... opening a formal review of what went down and further condemning Will's actions.
The Academy made a statement Monday, saying "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law."
The Academy usually holds a post-Oscars meeting that goes over what happened during the show ... odds are, this review will be a big topic of discussion. It's unclear what's on the table ... it could be anything from taking Will's Oscar back, to banning him from future awards shows. Or, it could just be a reprimand.
As you'll recall, Chris Rock was announcing the award for Best Documentary when he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, comparing her to "G.I. Jane."
Will walked on stage and slapped Chris across the face. After returning to his seat -- entire audience shocked and confused -- Will shouted from his seat, "Keep my wife's name out your f****** mouth!"
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Will Smith Getting Jiggy With It At After-Party ... Following Chris Rock Slap
Big Willie Style was in full effect after Will Smith won an Oscar and slapped Chris Rock on live TV ... Will was dancing to his famous hit and holding his award at an after-party.
This is Will Smith dancing with his Oscar. It's all love baby 👌👌 pic.twitter.com/ALZa29LX2s
— Bestbrain🥇 (@Bestbrainnn) March 28, 2022 @Bestbrainnn
Ya gotta see this video of Will on Oscar Sunday ... no, not the one where he slaps Chris for joking about Jada Pinkett Smith ... this one, where he's dancing to his song, "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in Hollywood.
There's a huge circle around Will, and a ton of cameras in his face ... and it certainly doesn't look like he's bothered by what went down on stage with Chris ... cutting loose on the dance floor, singing his own lyrics and showing off his Oscar for his work in "King Richard."
It's quite a mood swing for Will, who only hours before was taking major issue with Chris for making fun of his wife. Guess winning an Oscar will do that for ya.
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Will Smith, Trevor Noah Hugging It Out At After-Party Following Chris Rock Slap
Will Smith's got people in his corner following his on-camera altercation with Chris Rock ... getting a big hug from Trevor Noah at the Vanity Fair after-party, having a long, and private, conversation.
Will was still emotional when he got to the party Sunday night in Bev Hills, taking pictures with tears in his eyes ... which is when Trevor came up to the Best Actor winner.
They embraced for quite a while -- more than 1 minute -- clearly trying to have a conversation over the loud music blaring in the room. When it was all said and done, they smiled at each other and posed for some photos.
There's no doubt what they were discussing for so long ... Will slapped Chris Rock after his "G.I. Jane 2" jab at Jada Pinkett Smith.
The crowd, and even Chris, was stunned ... things got more real after Will continued to shout "Keep my wife's name out your f****** mouth" from his seat.
Trevor tweeted after the slap heard, and seen, 'round the world ... saying, "Wtaf????? That wasn’t scripted?????"
Safe to say he had some questions, and maybe got them answered when he and Will hugged.
Will went to the after-party with the whole family surrounding him -- Jada, daughter Willow, and sons Trey and Jaden.
As the night went on, the D.J. blasted Will's 1997 hit, "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It," with the crowd making a circle around him to watch him get down. What a night.
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Mary Katherine Gallagher In 'Superstar' 'Memba Her?!
Ohio born comedian and actress Molly Shannon was 34 years old when she took on the role of Mary Katherine Gallagher -- an awkward catholic high school girl hoping to achieve her dreams of dating the school's popular boy and winning the school talent show -- in the 1999 'SNL' spin-off film "Superstar."
Shannon shared the big screen with quite an impressive cast including Elaine Hendrix as the popular cheerleader, Evian, Glynis Johns as Mary's loving devout, Grandma, Harland Williams as Mary's BF, Slater ... and of course Will Ferrell as the popular boy and dreamy Jesus, Sky Corrigan.
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94th Academy Awards Calm & Joyous Before Will Smith And the Oscar Goes To ...
The 94th Academy Awards are coming to a close, and while Will Smith definitely stole the show -- for all the wrong reasons -- the show was actually going swimmingly beforehand.
The Dolby Theater was chock-full of stars who were dressed to the nines Sunday night -- and as Oscar statuettes started to get dolled out ... the hugs and selfies started to roll in as well.
One example of such love was between Best Supporting Actress winner Ariana DeBose and her fellow nominee, Jessie Buckley ... the latter of whom seemed to be giving the 'West Side Story' star her props for walking away with the W, which everyone thinks is well-deserved.
Ditto for when Troy Kotsur won for Best Supporting Actor for his work on 'CODA' ... his table was elated for him -- as was the rest of the audience as he delivered a rousing speech in ASL.
Some other highlights that were happening behind the scenes ... Venus and Serena Williams were posing with each other, and just about everyone else who wanted a pic. It was a big night for them -- especially seeing how Will Smith was up for the top prize, which he ended up winning.
Of course, things took a dark turn when Will smacked Chris Rock across the face after he made a crack about Jada Pinkett's shaved head ... which led to an awkward moment therafter.
Still, it was a pretty feel-good vibe before all that ... as evidenced in all the hobnobbing that was going on down in the seats and backstage.
One thing we can't say ... this one wasn't memorable. Because it absolutely was -- take a look for yourself.
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Oscars 2022 Quietly Address Ukraine War ... Opt for Moment of Silence
The Ukrainian war is certainly top of mind for just about everybody these days -- but, for some reason, the Academy Awards apparently decided to kinda gloss over the issue.
We're almost two hours into the broadcast, and so far ... there's been minimal mention of the conflict in Europe, save for a brief moment when Mila Kunis came on to introduce Reba McEntire, who performed 'Somehow You Do,' which is up for Best Original Song.
Before tossing it to Reba, Mila said ... "Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted. Yet, when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it's impossible to not be moved by their resilience."
She added, "One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness." MK then said Reba's song was a testament to that, but strangely enough ... she nor anyone else on stage ever said the words "Ukraine" or "Russia."
That's a bit bizarre ... especially considering that Mila herself is Ukrainian, and has been raising a lot of money lately for the cause.
After the performance, the Oscars held a moment of silence with some title cards that spoke directly to Ukraine. Their message read, in part, "While film is in an important avenue to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water, and emergency services," calling on the world to do more.
A crypto ad then played right afterward giving folks a website to chip in -- but they refrained from showing any images of the war or the devastation.
This is an interesting choice ... you'll recall, Amy Schumer actually floated the idea of having Volodymyr Zelenskyy beam in to say a few words -- but it doesn't sound like they went for her idea.
Rather than fully lean in like she suggested ... it seems, so far, that they're doing the exact opposite ... steering relatively clear of Ukraine talk. Of course, there's still a long way to go -- so perhaps they'll have a more robust show of support later in the telecast.
Or ... maybe not. 🤷🏽♂️
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Superman Labeled a 'Boring' Hero ... Fanboys Come to His Defense!!!
The Man of Steel might actually be the Man of Snooze -- at least that's what one comic nerd thinks ... but they're getting drowned out by a swarm of fanboys who beg to differ.
A Twitter user that goes by "brandon" threw out a bit of a fireball of an opinion this weekend about good old Kal-El and his ability to titillate, writing ... "lmk if this is bad take but superman is an extremely boring superhero."
lmk if this is bad take but superman is an extremely boring superhero
— brandon* (@brndxix) March 27, 2022 @brndxix
Well, the internet let him know ... and with fervor to spare. Superman lovers far and wide swooped in to defend their guy in tights, vehemently rejecting the idea he's a killjoy or a bore ... and they seem to have the evidence to back it up.
First off, some pointed out that Clark Kent is actually super relatable ... and in many instances, just like us when it comes to earthly matters -- especially in the embarrassing/overbearing parents department.
"Superman is so unrelatable, he is just a boring god"
— ClarkQuill97 (@CQuill97) March 27, 2022 @CQuill97
Meanwhile Superman: pic.twitter.com/Q26LWgk143
Others pointed to the source material in debunking Supes's alleged boring streak -- citing the very many comics and subsequent stories that have been written/drawn detailing his wild adventures. A handful of the ones a few felt would make Superman's case ... "Secret Identity," "Superman: Up in the Sky," "All-Star Superman," "Superman: Earth One" and more.
Reading these alone, some argue, will prove the Last Son of Krypton is a complex character ... who has to deal with a lot, and most definitely NOT dull or dry as far as caped heroes go.
For anyone who thinks Superman is boring read these and I guarantee they’ll change your mind pic.twitter.com/EvWq1zIl9q
— Beware the Batman (@Batman_Beware) March 27, 2022 @Batman_Beware
Of course, there are others who simply offer up the many animations that have been made about Superman ... including the fabled 'Superman: The Animated Series' from the '90s, which many consider some of the best Superman depictions to date.
Somebody even threw together a quick compilation of the multi-Emmy nominated program ... reinforcing Superman battles not just people he has to beat physically, but politically and psychologically. Case in point ... Lex Luthor is considered one the best big baddies ever, and he doesn't even have powers or anything. He gets under Superman's skin in other ways.
"Superman is boring" takes back again.
— Hoppy (@Hoppymcfboi21) March 27, 2022 @Hoppymcfboi21
Anyway, look at this. pic.twitter.com/XXT076zU4p
And, finally, there are the live action movies and TV shows themselves ... with actors like Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, Tyler Hoechlin, Tom Welling, Dean Cain, Kirk Alyn and Henry Cavill ... who've all donned the red undies at one point or another, to much acclaim.
So yeah, boring might be a bit harsh ... as Twitter has clearly unanimously decided.
It's a bird, it's a plane ... it's an INTERESTING costumed alien who's been the blueprint for superheroes since the very beginning. Boring??? We think not!
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Oscars $140k Gift Bag Could Cost Big ... Tax Rate of 50%+???
This year's Oscar nominees have nearly $140,000 in gifts at their fingertips -- but before they claim their loot ... they might wanna consider Uncle Sam, who'll want his cut.
Every year, actors who get a nod from the Academy are also afforded a sweet goodie bag that's worth a bundle -- and this year is no different, with marketing company Distinctive Assets offering up a ton of prizes that, if claimed in full, are valued at $137k and change.
For the 20th year, marketing firm Distinctive Assets is independently presenting the top acting and directing #Oscar nominees with a gift bag worth $138,000 pic.twitter.com/NHDHWEgwEq
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 25, 2022 @Reuters
The gifts up for grabs include everything from an all-expenses-paid trip to Scotland with a 3-night stay at a fancy castle ($50k), free construction for a home renovation ($25k), a comped 4-night visit to a luxury spa resort ($15k), a plot of land in the U.K. and a noble title, free lipo ($12k) ... among lots of other perks in the form of services/experiences, or pricey objects.
Might sound cringe -- indeed, it has sparked outrage for a variety of reasons -- but here's the kicker ... the more gifts they claim from the lot, the more they pay down the road.
Oscar nominees will receive gift bags worth nearly $140,000—but they could come with a hefty tax bill (via @CNBCMakeIt) https://t.co/0PjoXhRyqD
— CNBC (@CNBC) March 27, 2022 @CNBC
Yep, we're talking about taxes here ... and all signs point to a hefty bill if a majority of these gifts are accepted and/or used. Everything the nominees claim will be viewed as taxable income -- and some experts speculate that they can be taxed at a rate of 50% or higher!
Of course, that probably isn't lost on the stars themselves ... who may not take up any of the offerings being presented. In fact, Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary explains that just about $5,000 of the swag bag is made up of actual stuff they can take home ... the rest are services/trips. So, if a majority of the gifts go unclaimed, the bag isn't worth as much.
Rather than make virtuous tearful speeches tonight about how much they care about Ukraine, it might be nice if all the Oscars presenters & nominees auction their revoltingly ostentatious $140,000 gift bags to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 27, 2022 @piersmorgan
Still, the fact they're trotting out these gratuitously expensive carrots for the nominees at all -- something that's been going on for years, BTW -- has made some wonder... what's really important right now?
Ukraine is top of mind for many, and will likely be addressed ... but perhaps the high-valued goodies could be going toward better causes than just corporate promotion and branding.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda I'm taking an Oscars Pass ... My Wife has COVID
We're not saying they're dropping like flies, but COVID is getting in the way of the Oscars ... at least as far as Lin-Manuel Miranda is concerned.
The "Hamilton" mastermind is staying home Sunday night, after his wife tested positive for the virus.
He said ... "Made it to Hollywood … This weekend, my wife tested [positive] for COVID. She's doing fine. Kids & I have tested [negative], but out of caution, I won't be going to the Oscars tomorrow night."
Nonetheless, he was cheering on "Cheering for my Tick, Tick... Boom!" ... which could end up with some hardware ... Andrew Garfield is up for Best Actor.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
There are a lot of nervous actors ... to gain entry into the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, they have to produce proof of vaccination and not one but 2 negative PCR tests. There are exceptions -- performers and presenters don't have to show proof of vaccination, which is weird, right?
The requirements go way beyond L.A. County Health Dept. guidelines ... most of which have been lifted as numbers continue to go down.
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Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis High-End Airport Run-In ... Funny Bumping Into You Here, Leo!!!
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You might run into someone you know at the supermarket and stop for a chat -- but when you're as rich and famous as this group here ... you do it on a fancy-schmancy runway.
Check out these photos of Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis casually bumping into Leonardo DiCaprio at the Van Nuys Airport Friday as they each seemed to be coming from and going on respective trips. This is where A-listers escape L.A., BTW -- forget LAX.
Word is, MK and AK were coming back from a getaway, and Leo was heading out. But, along the way, they ran into one another and exchanged pleasantries -- specifically, Mila and Leo.
As you can see, LDC was sitting down and smoking a cigarette, when Mila suddenly comes up to him ready to fist bump -- which Leo was happy to reciprocate. Looks like Ashton might've been busy getting their stuff ... no sign here of him and L-dog together.
Later, Mila was seen with her husband loading up bags into a car ... and Leo was left with his ciggie alone. Now, as for what they might've talked about -- there's lots of possibilities.
Of course, one of the topics that very well could've been brought up is Ukraine -- and each party's involvement with contributing financial aid to the country as they fight Russia. Ashton and Mila recently got a shout-out from Zelenskyy after they raised north of $35M.
Leo, for his part, is also said to have donated some dough to orgs that support Ukraine -- but he was falsely reported as having donated $10 mil of his own money ... a piece of fake news that got circulated online, which was debunked by the Associated Press.
DiCaprio stands with Ukraine and did make donations to a variety of humanitarian organizations trying to help Ukraine, the source said, but it wasn't $10 million, wasn't to Ukraine's government or military as some stories said, and wasn't connected to his grandmother.
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 10, 2022 @ddale8
Anyway, cool to see these three celebs having a totally normal crossing-paths moment away from the spotlight. Well, sorta ... as normal as they can get, at least. 😅
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Movie Theater Mayhem Patron Booted ... Wouldn't Sit in Assigned Seat?!?
The days of free-for-all movie theater seating is over ... something one man simply couldn't come to terms with in what turned out to be a hilarious meltdown that got him kicked out.
Check out this wild scene showing an older gent getting into a shouting match with cineplex staff ... all because he wouldn't go to his assigned seat, which he claimed was just a spot or two over from where he was in what appears to be a relatively empty screening room.
No word on where this exactly took place, or when ... but based on the video alone, you can tell the dude was not happy about the idea of pre-selected reservations -- and made a huge fuss over it.
The employees amazingly keep their cool in this tense situation -- eventually talking the guy down and convincing him to scram calmly ... even accommodating his request for a refund and a little extra. Indeed, the guy asked for a free drink ... and they said they could do it.
While it felt he was gonna have to get hauled out of there in cuffs, he ended up leaving on his own accord -- with a little help from the audience, which told him he was in the wrong.
Funny enough, he made sure to let everyone know he still felt he was correct in his stance ... saying he was the bigger person here. Finally, he turns to the room and sarcastically says he hopes they enjoy the show.
While it seems pretty cut-and-dried -- theoretically, you SHOULD sit in the seat for the ticket you bought -- some have wondered ... if there were plenty of chairs to spare, what's the big deal if he's in a seat or two over from where he should be??? In other words, who tattled???
With that said, we gotta ask ... did the person who flagged down staff to complain do the most here, or is it this fella who's actually doing the most??? The great debate of our time!
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Razzie Awards LeBron Wins Big for 'Space Jam: The Legacy'!!!
LeBron James was a big winner Saturday night ... singled out for his work in a big-budget movie -- cause he won some Razzies!!!
LeBron was bestowed with the honor of "Worst Actor" Saturday during the 42nd annual Golden Raspberry Awards celebrating the worst in movies.
LeBron's trophy was an acknowledgment of his work in "Space Jam: The Legacy," in which he played himself ... well, sorta.
But wait, there's more. LeBron also won for "Worst Screen Couple" and "Worst Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel."
Fear not, LeBron, because worse movies were made ... like "Diana the Musical" on Netflix, which snagged Worst Picture, Worst Actress, Worst Supporting Actress and Worst Director.
While it was a common theme in the show, the "Space Jam" remake wasn't quite as popular as "Diana the Musical" scooping up five trophies.
Jared Leto also scored with Worst Supporting Actor in "House of Gucci."
And, get this ... there was a special category for Bruce Willis ... Worst Performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 Movie! It's for "Cosmic Sin" ... in case you're interested.
The Oscars are Sunday ... not nearly as much fun.
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'MIGHTY DUCKS' GOALIE Check Out My New Teeth ... Dentist Is No Quack!!!
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Shaun Weiss, famous for playing Goldberg in "The Mighty Ducks" franchise, is smiling like an all-star ... because he's got a permanent fix for all his lost and decayed teeth.
Shaun has finally completed his tooth reconstruction, recently getting his permanent upper implants to finish a process 2 years in the making.
Remember ... Shaun lost most of his teeth and had major decay due to years of drug abuse, culminating in his infamous mug shot, but when he started cleaning himself up he got a dental sponsorship for some new pearly whites.
Dr. Gabe Rosenthal did all the work for free, which typically cost around $100k ... working pro bono after being moved by Shaun's path to sobriety.
While Shaun had some temporary implants installed back in 2020, we're told they were a temporary fix and he didn't feel comfortable speaking and eating with them. Now that he's got his new set of teeth he feels comfortable to perform some of his stand-up, do speaking engagements and interviews in the near future.
Shaun's got plenty of reason to show off his new pearly whites ... he celebrated 2 years of sobriety in January ... and he was so pleased with the work he gave Dr. Rosenthal an autographed 'Mighty Ducks' jersey to display in the dental office.
The good doc tells TMZ ... "This was one of the most challenging and rewarding cases of my entire career! I am so incredibly happy for Shaun! The case took a few years because we needed everything to be as perfect as possible. I look forward to seeing Shaun smile as large as possible years to come in this new chapter."
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Kim Jong-un Dictator Stars in Ominous New Video Celebrates 'New Type' of ICBM
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The world is bracing as the prospect of WWIII looms, and all eyes are on Putin, but just as serious a threat is North Korea, and Kim Jong-Un has made that clear in a new video.
It's, well bizarre ... the North Korean dictator is the star of a highly-produced video that almost mimics a Hollywood movie ... but this is way more ominous.
AP obtained the video from a third party and has not independently verified its authenticity, but it certainly looks real, as the country's leader and his military celebrates what has been called a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile.
North Korea has been testing ICBMs with greater frequency recently, and the 38-year-old leader's mental stability makes his intentions cause for great concern.
North Korea does not have the ability to put a nuclear warhead on its ICBMs ... at least not yet, and experts have varying opinions as to when that could happen ... some think within a year or so.
Scary times.
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Golf Star Brooks Koepka Shuts Down Autograph Seekers With Famous 'Tin Cup' Line
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Golf star Brooks Koepka used a famous line from "Tin Cup" to shut down a group of autograph seekers at an event in Texas on Wednesday -- and his channeling of David Simms was pretty spot-on.
TMZ Sports has learned the 31-year-old was out on the course for his opening round at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play event in Austin, Texas ... when a group of people asked for his John Hancock.
We're told there were several kids in the group -- and when Brooks ignored them, a man screamed at him to stop for the children.
Video shows Brooks, while calmly walking away, did his best Don Johnson impression to get out of the signing.
"I got to work," he said. "I don't come to your job asking for your s***, do I? I don't think so!"
Brooks mixed up the wording just a tad -- Don's line in "Tip Cup" was "I'm working here. This is my office. Do I come to your office and ask you for your autograph? I don't think so!"
But, still, pretty funny, right?
Brooks is a connoisseur of golf films -- he's previously called "Happy Gilmore" his favorite one ever -- and back in 2020, he called at least one of the scenes in "Tin Cup" "realistic."
As for his play Wednesday following the interaction with fans, Koepka was solid against Erik van Rooyen -- and, no, there were no signs of him going full Kevin Costner and hitting balls into the water.
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Taylor Lautner Finds Buyer For $5.2 Million Mansion
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Taylor Lautner is one step closer to unloading his multi-million dollar estate ... because he's found a buyer.
According to real estate records, there is a pending sale on Taylor's $5 million home in the Agoura Hills area of Los Angeles.
Taylor's custom mansion is 5 bedrooms and 5,647 square feet ... and it's decked out with a 45-foot long infinity pool and spa, plus firepits, a BBQ area and a bocce ball court ... all with panoramic views of picturesque Lobo Canyon.
The place was built in 2020 and is super secluded ... the home sits on 9 acres in a small gated community, where there are only 11 properties. He bought it in 2020 for $3.8 million.
The primary suite is on the first floor, along with 2 other bedrooms and an office. There's a floating staircase leading to the second floor, which is home to a sports room, bedroom and a speakeasy lounge.
Taylor's pad also features a modern kitchen with imported Italian cabinets, French oak floors, and 12-foot ceilings ... not to mention a 6-car garage, security system and smart home technology.
Jordan Cohen of RE/MAX One has the listing.