**Will Smith Reflects on Moving Forward After Oscars Incident, Describes Feeling ‘Brand New’**
After the worldwide controversy that erupted following the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Will Smith has openly discussed his journey of self-reflection and growth. The esteemed actor and musician, known for his roles in iconic films like “Men in Black” and “Bad Boys,” recently spoke candidly about confronting his actions on that fateful night and how the aftermath proved to be both difficult and transformative.
Appearing on BBC Radio 1Xtra with host Remi Burgz, Smith delved into the impact the incident with comedian Chris Rock had on his life. The altercation, which saw Smith slap Rock on stage after a joke aimed at Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, was broadcast live across the globe. Smith admitted that the event forced him into a period of deep introspection, explaining, “After the Oscars, I shut it down for a minute and really went into the internal work.”
He described this process as confronting, yet ultimately liberating: “It was like there was a manhole cover over some unexplored areas, and when it came off, it was scary for a minute.” Smith went on to say that this intense self-examination unlocked “new thoughts, new energies and new creativity,” leading him to feel “brand new” as a person.
The multi-award-winning star revealed that, while the ordeal was tough to navigate—especially given the critical gaze of millions—it has also marked the beginning of what he anticipates to be his most productive and creative years. “I feel like the greatest creative period of my life will be in the next five to ten years,” he remarked optimistically.
Reflecting on the personal impact of the incident, Smith shared that it was the first time in his lengthy career that he had to contend with a “level of disapproval that I’d never had to experience.” He coined the term “brutiful” to describe the mixture of pain and beauty found in his journey of recovery, saying, “It’s brutal but beautiful.” Smith acknowledged learning to overcome “the addiction to the approval of others,” calling this process “brutiful” as well.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences responded to Smith’s actions by labelling the behaviour “unacceptable and harmful.” Consequently, Smith was barred from attending the Oscars and other Academy events for ten years—a penalty that highlighted the seriousness with which the organisation took the incident. Despite the ban, Smith remained active in his creative pursuits.
Earlier this year, Smith released his first record in over two decades, titled “Based On A True Story.” Notably, the album does not shy away from referencing the Oscars controversy, with Smith using his personal experiences as material for both reflection and artistic expression. This new body of work forms part of his efforts to move forward, shedding light on how the events of 2022 have informed his latest creative endeavours.
The public and professional response to Smith’s appearance at the Oscars, and his subsequent apology tour, have been mixed. While some continued to criticise his actions, others have praised his willingness to discuss his mistakes openly and embark on a sincere path towards personal growth.
Looking ahead, Smith is preparing for a UK and European tour, signalling a return to live performance and connecting with his audience in new ways. Despite the controversy that momentarily defined his public image, Smith appears determined to channel the lessons learnt into a prolific and dynamic new chapter.
As the dust from the Oscars incident settles, Smith’s story serves as a compelling example of the complexities of falling from grace in the public eye and the potential for self-renewal. His candid reflections on embracing vulnerability and committing to change may resonate with anyone who has faced missteps, offering reassurance that growth—even when it is “brutiful”—remains possible.