The 94th Academy Awards Provides a Perfect Example of Unhealthy Culture's Impact on People and Messaging

The 94th Academy Awards Provides a Perfect Example of Unhealthy Culture's Impact on People and Messaging

Near the end of the 94th Academy Awards telecast on March 27, 2022, Chris Rock told a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, who was sitting with her husband, Will Smith in the front row of the event. Moments later, Will Smith walked up and slapped Chris Rock.

Everyone was stunned. The Academy did nothing and the audience was silent.

The last award of the evening was for Best Actor and the recipient Will Smith. After his acceptance speech, he received a standing ovation.

Every joke offends someone.

Any support of Will Smith’s action is a support of violence.

On January 15, 2015, Twitter user and activist April Reign tweeted the hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite” and started a movement. The hashtag went viral and within two years major changes could be seen by everyone.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s personal support of the movement along with the formation and support of the Jada Smith Family Foundation’s Careers in Entertainment (CIE) had a profound and positive impact leading to long overdue changes in the processes of the Academy.

The Academy Awards, known also as the Oscars, internationally awards individuals for technical and artistic merit in the film industry through voting members. The overseeing organization is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). AMPAS is supported by multiple organizations for the 94th Academy Awards including:

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The following is speculation on my part from my observation of the show:

Chris Rock’s joke struck me as support of Jada. She looked fit and strong. I believe it was a comedian’s way of saying thank you for fighting the good fight for diversity within the Academy. She is fierce and would be excellent in the role of G.I. Jane.

The joke did not land well and Chris saw this. He immediately moved on. As Will Smith walked on stage, I believe Chris expected some razzing. Will had been laughing. Chris has quick reflexes and did not move to protect himself or retreat. After the slap, Chris did not retreat or respond. Will sat down and yelled at Chris. Chris waited and then moved on.

Reading Will’s body language prior to the incident and from news reports of his and Jada’s relationship, it is likely Jada and Will are under high stress.

Failure of leadership and indications of an unhealthy culture

People make mistakes. Chris, Jada, and Will are talented and enthusiastic people.

Violence is never an answer to being offended.

While Chris could have apologized to Jada after seeing her reaction, it’s not a practice in comedy.

Jada could have let Will know she was okay, and they would deal with it later.

Will could have focused on his wife and comforted her.

None of that happened and no one should be vilified for their decisions in this case in the heat of the moment. It’s something they and all of us can learn from.

In his acceptance speech, Will Smith apologized to an organization and people he benefits from. He did not apologize to the person he struck.

Here is the illness prevalent in the academy: Their decision-making process following the incident shows a dedication to greed over people and poor leadership.

At a minimum, the production should have been stopped. It could have been taken off camera or a repeat commercial for a moment to address the situation with Will and Chris. Will and Chris should have been consulted on next steps which could have been an apology or an escalation – their choice.

When they came back on air, an apology needed to be made to Chris Rock, the live audience, and the television audience. It could have been made by Will, and if he was unwilling to apologize in the moment, a representative of AMPAS should have made it.

It would have been reasonable to ask Will and Jada to leave off camera.

PWC should have been consulted if no one else knew who won Best Actor. If Will Smith was identified as the winner, the award should have not been presented that evening.

The Message to the world by AMPAS and all actors who gave Will Smith support

Kim Tok-hun of North Korea is offended by South Korea.

Vladimir Putin of Russia is offended by Ukraine.

Terrorists are offended by the United States.

The message to the world by AMPAS and every actor giving a standing ovation to Will Smith is ‘violence is the appropriate response to offense.’

Will Smith’s ‘protection’ speech was a maligned attempt at justification based on personal self-deception and bias. You do not protect with violence. You defend to protect.

Hypocrisy in Hollywood is rampant. Toxic leadership allows it to continue.

AMPAS’ bias against diversity was based on leadership’s incorrect assumption that diversity is not appreciated or valued.

AMPAS changed the curtains not their culture. And they are not alone. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and professional sports are just as unhealthy in their decision making.

Organizations are run by people. People who often crave power and control. Through their organizations, they are teaching people to cheat, lie, and abuse others.

I have every confidence Will, Jada, and Chris will do the right thing moving forward. They are intelligent, talented, and passionate. It is organizations like AMPAC and their leadership we must dedicate ourselves to changing.

The goal for our world is one which serves people by supplying fair recognition for contribution to others.

?2022 Jeffrey Hansler

Jeffrey Hansler, CSP, CMP, is expert at organizational development, leadership, and persuasive communication, which includes skills of innovation, influence, negotiation, sales, body language, micro-expressions, finance, and authority.

?Rona Lewis and Jeffrey are hosts of the Biz-Souls podcast, a podcast delving into the heart and soul of business and the people who make it happen. Biz-Souls is fast paced, funny and informative. https://www.biz-souls.com