Michael B. Jordan Name-Checks Will Smith 4 Years After Infamous Oscars Slap

When Michael B. Jordan accepted the Best Actor Oscar for his role in Sinners on Sunday, March 15, he listed many of the Black men and women who stood on the Academy stage previously — including one especially controversial moment.

“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” the Creed star, 39, said his speech.

“To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys, thank you everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career, I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well and I want to do that because you guys bet on me,” Jordan added.

It’s been four years since Smith famously climbed onstage to slap presenter Chris Rock, who had made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he won the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard.

Smith apologized to Rock and the Academy the next day on Instagram. “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” he said.

The Bad Boys star, 57, also resigned from the Academy, and was banned from attending any Oscars-related events for 10 years.

As the National Enquirer previously reported, Smith is now desperate to reclaim his Hollywood throne through a new first-look deal with Paramount. “Will’s endured public shame and humiliation, and he’s managed to turn the page,” a source revealed. “Will really wants to cement his place back on top of the movie scene!”