Its Smith’s first project since the Oscars, where he made headlines for slapping host Chris Rock on stage and prevailing Best Actor for his titular function in “King Richard.”

During the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Smith walked onstage and slapped presenter and comedian Chris Rock after Rock made a comic story about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head with a reference to the principle protagonist inside the movie G.I. Jane. Smith then again to his seat and yelled to Rock, two times, announcing "Keep my wife's name out your fucking mouth!" Pinkett Smith had been identified with alopecia areata in 2018 and would later shave her head because of the condition.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) stated that Smith was requested to leave the ceremony however he refused. Later within the night, Smith become named Best Actor for King Richard and apologized to the Academy and the other nominees, but no longer to Rock, in his acceptance speech.Following public backlash, Smith issued a formal apology.ABC, AMPAS, and the Screen Actors Guild condemned Smith following the incident, prompting an investigation by using the Academy's Board of Governors.Rock declined to press fees against Smith, in keeping with the Los Angeles Police Department. On April 1, 2022, Smith tendered his resignation from the Academy, writing in element:

I disadvantaged different nominees and winners of their possibility to have a good time and be celebrated for his or her fantastic work. I am heartbroken. I want to place the focal point returned on folks who deserve attention for their achievements and permit the Academy to get returned to the exquisite work it does to aid creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any in addition results the Board deems suitable.

The AMPAS President David Rubin universal the resignation in an respectable assertion but said they would continue their research Smith's resignation way he is not able to vote on Oscar nominations as a member of the Academy.Commentators have speculated that Smith's resignation from the Academy and other related fallout from the slap would harm his "family brand".

On April 8, 2022, the Academy announced its decision to ban Smith from future Oscars galas and associated activities for a duration of 10 years.Several movie initiatives that Smith have been worried in had been placed on keep as a result of the talk. In a assertion to CNN, Smith stated: "I receive and admire the Academy's decision." Smith supplied an on digicam apology on July 29, saying he turned into "deeply remorseful" for his movements.

In “Emancipation,” Smith plays a runaway slave trying to find his family within the swamps of Louisiana. Apple announced the discharge date along a trailer for the film.

The film has acquired high-quality response after a pre-screening hosted for the duration of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference this beyond weekend, in line with amusement media reviews.

In a tweet, NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson known as the film “a tale of adversity, of resilience, of love, and of triumph.”