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- Will Smith unleashed a smack heard ’round the world at the Oscars on Sunday.
- The Best Actor nominee got on stage and took a swing at Chris Rock after he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.
- Denzel Washington gave Smith some advice following the incident that reminded everyone why he’s the GOAT.
At the Academy Awards on Sunday night, Will Smith — who took home the prize for Best Actor for his performance as Richard Williams in King Richard — smacked Chris Rock in the face for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett.
While the incident was undoubtedly shocking, Smith would return to the stage not long thereafter to accept the award for Best Actor.
During his acceptance speech, Smith made a reference to some advice he received from fellow actor Denzel Washington, who could be seen consoling Smith following the incident. Washington was also pictured serving as something of a mediator between Smith and Rock following the altercation.
Denzel Washington consoled Will Smith and offered him sage advice after shocking Oscars slap
Denzel Washington is a wise OG for telling Will Smith “at the highest moment becareful that’s when the devil comes for you” 💯 facts. Will and Chris should sort this out… #Oscars pic.twitter.com/CS67YxlhN8
— Aria De Chicchis (@ariaischic) March 28, 2022
This is Denzel trying to mediate after the confrontation pic.twitter.com/Yri7nrmHma
— Yesha (@YeshaCallahan) March 28, 2022
“Thank you, D. Denzel said to me a few minutes ago ‘At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,’ Smith revealed during his speech.
Following Smith’s reveal, movie fans took to Twitter to share their appreciation for Denzel Washington’s greatness, as he’s likely one of the few actors in Hollywood that A) commands virtually universal respect and B) is sharp enough to think of something so brilliant to say in the heat of the moment:
Here’s what I think. I think we should give Denzel the award for Best Actor every year he puts out a movie. The end. #Oscars
— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) March 28, 2022
Imagine embarrassing Denzel Washington
— Astead (@AsteadWesley) March 28, 2022
“At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.“
Only Denzel Washington could turn a chaotic moment and career low for Will Smith into a beautiful moment. That man is the GOAT. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/rec7H53yhu
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) March 28, 2022
Denzel Washington the coolest man who’s ever lived being a part of this is wild
— Talkin’ Jake Story (@TalkinJake) March 28, 2022
I refuse to behave like Will Smith
I refuse to behave like Chris RockI prefer to behave like Denzel Washington
In a very uncomfortable and heated moment, he gave wisdom, understanding, correction and comfort. #Oscars2022 pic.twitter.com/gC9vJDmqJu— Peter Etenung (@petosquare_) March 28, 2022
“At your highest moment, be careful. That’s when the devil comes for you.”
— Denzel Washington #Bars
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) March 28, 2022
I want an award ceremony where all we do is appreciate and give honor to Denzel.
— Jasmyn (@JasmynBeKnowing) March 28, 2022
Can’t get over Denzel Washington simultaneously being the most graceful, wise, and slickest dude on the planet.
— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) March 28, 2022
Denzel’s comments to Smith came after the 53-year-old actor got on stage and took a swing at stand-up comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett’s hair. Rock said that he can’t wait to see Pinkett Smith — who currently has a shaved head due to her struggles with alopecia — in the sequel to G.I. Jane.
Let this be a reminder to all: when in doubt, simply ask yourself “What would Denzel Washington do?”
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