Three years after the infamous on-stage incident with Will Smith, Chris Rock has addressed the possibility of hosting the Oscars again. At the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party on March 2, 2025, Rock shared his thoughts on forgiveness and a potential return as host. His remarks were candid yet left room for speculation about whether he would ever take on the role again.
Chris Rock Reflects on Forgiveness
When asked directly about whether he would consider hosting the Academy Awards for a third time, Rock gave a measured response, stating, “You never know.” His words suggested an openness to the idea but also indicated that he had not made any firm decisions.
Rock also took the opportunity to emphasize his views on forgiveness, which seemed to be the core of his mindset moving forward. “The most miserable people on earth are people that can’t forgive,” he remarked. “And not just people, you have to forgive yourself sometimes.” His words hinted at a philosophy of moving on from past grievances, a stance that contrasts with the highly publicized drama that unfolded during the 2022 Oscars.
He further elaborated on this belief, stating, “I live in forgiveness. True love starts at forgiveness.” Rock’s comments suggested that he has long since moved past the shocking moment and is focused on personal growth and healing.
A Look Back at the 2022 Oscars Incident
During the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing the film G.I. Jane. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Pinkett Smith had been diagnosed with alopecia areata, which causes hair loss. Will Smith, reacting to the remark, walked onto the stage and slapped Rock across the face. The incident stunned audiences both in the theater and around the world. As he returned to his seat, Smith shouted twice, “Keep my wife’s name out your [expletive] mouth!”
The moment became one of the most controversial in Oscars history, leading to significant fallout. Smith later issued a public apology to Rock, and the Academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars for ten years. Rock, for his part, declined to press charges and has since continued his work in comedy and entertainment.
Rock’s Previous Hosting Stints and Future Prospects
Chris Rock is no stranger to the Academy Awards stage, having hosted the event twice before. His first hosting gig in 2005 was praised for his sharp wit and bold humor. When he returned in 2016, he tackled pressing industry issues, including the lack of diversity in Hollywood, with his signature comedic style.
Despite the controversy surrounding the 2022 Oscars, Rock has not ruled out a future return. His recent comments suggest that he is keeping his options open while maintaining a focus on personal and professional growth.
As the Academy continues to evolve and address past controversies, the possibility of Rock hosting again remains uncertain. However, his emphasis on forgiveness and resilience indicates that he is not defined by past incidents. Whether or not he ever steps onto the Oscars stage as a host again, Chris Rock remains an influential voice in comedy and Hollywood.