John Waters Proposes Controversial Oscars Bit Reuniting Chris Rock and Will Smith

Veteran filmmaker John Waters has stirred debate with an unusual idea for the Academy Awards, suggesting the ceremony lean into controversy and unpredictability.

In a recent interview, the director—known for his provocative and unconventional style—said that if he were put in charge of the Oscars, he would reunite comedian Chris Rock and actor Will Smith on stage. Waters proposed that the two appear together as co-presenters while his 1974 short film Sissy Boy Slap Party plays behind them.

The suggestion is a clear reference to the 2022 Oscars, when Smith slapped Rock during a live broadcast, one of the most widely discussed moments in the ceremony’s history. Waters framed his idea as satire, using humor and absurdity to revisit the incident rather than avoid it.

The comments come as Waters prepares for his 80th birthday on April 22, 2026, and promotes his touring show, A Date with John Waters. During the press run, he also spoke about his broader vision for the Oscars, arguing that the show has become too controlled and could benefit from a more daring and unpredictable tone.

The idea gained wider attention after being reported by Variety, prompting strong reactions online. Some fans praised the concept as bold and entertaining, calling on the Academy to embrace a more irreverent approach to the ceremony. Others pointed out practical barriers, noting that Smith remains banned from attending the Oscars until 2032 following the 2022 incident.

Waters’ reference to Sissy Boy Slap Party adds another layer to the proposal. The short film features a group of men engaged in a stylized, rhythmic slapping game, reflecting the director’s longstanding interest in subversive and camp aesthetics. By pairing that imagery with Rock and Smith, Waters appears to be suggesting that controversy could be reframed through performance and humor.

The Academy has been exploring ways to maintain relevance and improve viewership ahead of the 99th Oscars. While Waters’ proposal is unlikely to be seriously considered, it has reignited discussion about how far the ceremony should go in reinventing itself.