Chris Rock has stated that his return to the Academy Awards is contingent on receiving a nomination, a scenario he believes is unlikely. The comedian, who hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016, has not attended the ceremony since Will Smith slapped him on stage in 2022.
"I’m not getting nominated. The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated,” Rock told Variety in an interview published Tuesday. He added, “And that’s OK. We’ll deal with that if it happens. Like, let’s manage expectations.”
The incident occurred when Smith, then 57, walked on stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about her struggles with alopecia. Later that evening, Smith won the best actor award for his role in "King Richard." Following the event, Smith was banned from attending all Academy events for a decade.
Rock, 61, has largely refrained from discussing the slap, but in the recent interview, he expressed a wish that the incident had not occurred. He also indicated that he has no intention of hosting the Oscars again.
"When people answer those questions, they’re being disrespectful to the people that got the gig,” Rock said, referring to current hosts. “They have great hosts. Conan O’Brien is amazing. Nikki Glaser is amazing on the Golden Globes." He added, “I’m not going to say never, but my time might have passed, honestly.”
Previously, Rock addressed the 2022 incident in his 2023 Netflix comedy special, asserting that he is not a victim and would not be seen crying about the event. He likened his experience to being hit by boxer Manny Pacquiao, acknowledging that it hurt.
Smith issued a public apology to Rock on social media the day after the 2022 Oscars, stating, “I was out of line and I was wrong.” He added, “I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”