You better believe in 2023 Oscars talk about it.
A year after Will Smith made headlines for slapping the presenter Chris Bato inside the Dolby Theater, this year’s telecast can’t help but address the scandal in some unique ways.
Jimmy Kimmel began his monologue reminding the audience that everyone wants them to be safe. “We have strict policies in place,” he said. “If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any time during the show, you will be awarded an Oscar for Best Actor and allowed to give a 19-minute long speech.”
But seriously, the Academy now has a crisis team in place in case things get weird.
“If something unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year. Nothing,” Jimmy joked. “Sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the murderer a hug. And if any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to go along with it—it won’t be easy.”