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Despite the low expectations and lack of interest from gamblers, this year's Oscars apparently didn't do so bad in the ratings after all. A yearly decline has been witnessed in past years.
In 2021, the show averaged less than 10 million viewers. This year's early numbers show around 13.73 million viewers.
It's doubtful we'll even remember who won what Oscar. This show will be remembered for the slap seen around the world..well, most of it anyway.
Presenter and comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith's wife, a joke Smith himself laughed at initially.
The wild moment, which was censored for American consumption but was played in its entirety for the rest of the world, occurred during the final hour of the otherwise snoozefest. Rock was preparing to present the nominees for the Academy Award for Best Documentary. The camera flashed to Pinkett Smith, and Rock said, “Jada, love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it.”
The reference was to the 1997 film with Demi Moore, a female who shaves her head to join a special military force brigade. Jada's head was shaven . She currently suffers from a condition that causes hair loss. Pinkett Smith appeared to take exception to the joke (after he hubby initially was seen laughing). Will then approahced the stage and slapped Rock across the face.
The incident itself may have boosted ratings at the end of the show.
The clip of the hit on Twitter currently has more than 18 million views, which means it has bee watched more than the actual show.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
