Chris Rock, a comedian and Saturday Night Live co-star, has voiced his displeasure at the Academy’s rejection of Adam Sandler.

At the Mark Twain Award ceremony for American Humor on Sunday, Rock used colorful language to criticize the Academy for not recognizing Sandler’s acting talent. 

Rock, who previously hosted and announced the Oscars, turned down the opportunity to host the 2023 Oscars after a controversial incident involving Will Smith at last year’s awards ceremony.  

After a contentious episode involving Will Smith at the 2018 Oscars, Rock, who had previously hosted and presented at the Academy Awards, declined the offer to host the 2023 ceremony.

Sandler’s performance in the 2019 film Uncut Gems was widely praised by critics, and many expected him to be nominated for an Oscar for his work. was nowhere to be seen.  

It wasn’t the first time the Academy overlooked Sandler’s talent. Despite his impressive work, he was never nominated for an Oscar.  

The Academy has a long history of disdaining comedians and comic performances, as Rock’s remarks serve as a reminder. Despite their ability to make audiences around the world smile and laugh, comedians have historically been overlooked by the Academy, although serious parts have frequently been awarded.

Sandler isn’t the only one who’s been snubbed by the Academy. Other comedians have also been overlooked in the past, including Jim Carrey, Eddie Murphy and Steve Carell. raises important questions about  

Rock Speaks Out

As the film industry continues to evolve and diversify, it’s important for the Academy to recognize the contributions of all actors and filmmakers, regardless of their genre or style. Comedians, in particular, deserve to be recognized for their unique abilities to entertain and delight audiences. 

Hopefully, Rock’s comments will help to spark a larger conversation about the role of comedy in the film industry and the need for greater recognition of comedic performances at the Oscars.

During his speech, Rock reflected on Sandler’s role in his life, highlighting how Sandler was one of the first people to embrace him at a time when he was one of the few Black comics in their shared social scene.

Rock was not alone in singing Sandler’s praises on Sunday evening; a number of other celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Pete Davidson, Drew Barrymore, David Spade, and more, also took the opportunity to celebrate Sandler’s work and his impact on the world of comedy.

Despite Sandler’s decades-long film career and his impressive performances in films like “Uncut Gems,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” and “The Meyerowitz Stories,” he has never been nominated for an Oscar. 

Some critics have suggested that this might be due to the fact that many people still associate Sandler with the “goofy man-children” he’s played in films like “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore.”

However, as Jessica Derschowitz argued in Entertainment Weekly last year, Sandler’s ability to subvert these comedic roles and deliver powerful dramatic performances is precisely what makes him such a unique and talented actor. “Uncut Gems,” in particular, showcases Sandler’s range and his ability to create complex, nuanced characters that audiences can root for despite their flaws.

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Comedy: An Art

Sandler himself has taken a lighthearted approach to the Oscars snub, joking that he would make a deliberately bad movie if he didn’t receive a nomination. Nevertheless, the fact that he has been overlooked by the Academy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by comedians and comedic actors in an industry that often prioritizes drama over comedy.

Ultimately, Rock’s comments at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating comedic talent and recognizing the contributions that comedians make to the world of entertainment. 

As the film industry continues to evolve and diversify, it’s important for the Academy and other organizations to embrace a wider range of genres and styles, and to give comedians like Sandler the recognition they deserve.

Comedy is a form of art that has been around for centuries, bringing joy and laughter to audiences around the world. It is a complex and multifaceted genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches, from slapstick and physical comedy to satire and irony. 

The art of comedy is one that is often overlooked, but it requires skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of human nature.

At its core, comedy is about connecting with people and making them laugh. Whether through clever wordplay, hilarious anecdotes, or physical antics, comedians have a unique ability to bring people together and create a sense of community through shared laughter. 

They are able to tap into the common experiences and emotions that unite us all, and turn them into something that is both relatable and entertaining.

Read also: Diversity and Inclusion: Balancing the Oscars’ Recognition of Excellence with Representation

How a Comedian Comes to Be

One of the key elements of successful comedy is timing. A comedian must know when to deliver a punchline or a comedic gesture for maximum effect. This requires an acute sense of timing and an ability to read the audience and adjust the performance accordingly. 

A joke that falls flat or a gesture that is mistimed can be disastrous, but a well-timed punchline can make all the difference.

Another important aspect of comedy is the ability to take risks. Comedians often push boundaries and challenge social norms, using humor to address sensitive or taboo topics that might otherwise be difficult to discuss. This requires bravery and a willingness to put oneself out there, knowing that not every joke will land and that some might even offend.

Yet, while comedy can be subversive and even controversial, it also has the power to bring people together and foster understanding. Through humor, comedians are able to break down barriers and create a sense of empathy and connection. 

They are able to address difficult topics in a way that is both accessible and entertaining, allowing audiences to engage with these issues in a way that might not be possible through other means.

Finally, comedy is an art form that requires practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow. Successful comedians are constantly refining their craft, experimenting with new material, and seeking out feedback from other performers and audiences. They understand that comedy is a process of trial and error, and that there is always room for improvement.

Photo: EW