#21: King Richard, 94th Academy Awards, 2022

Categories: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor

Best Actor nominees who lost at the 94th Academy Awards:

• Javier Bardem, Being the Ricardos
• Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog
• Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick… Boom!
• Denzel Washington, The Tragedy of Macbeth

King Richard initially appeared as a standard sports biopic, steering clear of controversy. However, its Oscar win stirred up a storm when Best Actor recipient Will Smith made headlines for slapping presenter Chris Rock after a tasteless joke about his wife. Regardless of opinions on Smith’s actions, audiences unanimously agreed that the incident cast a shadow over the film’s otherwise unblemished reputation.

The fallout not only eclipsed King Richard but also tainted the entire atmosphere of the 94th Academy Awards. Critics pointed fingers at the Academy and the industry for their disproportionate response to Smith’s actions. Despite his public apology, Smith faced severe consequences, sparking debates about fairness and accountability in Hollywood.