CAN WILL SAVE HIS CAREER?

After the Oscars slap seen around the world, Will Smith's standing in Hollywood hangs in the balance

Five days after winning his first-ever Oscar, Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful and inexcusable," he said in an April 1 statement, apologizing to presenter Chris Rock for slapping him mid-ceremony following a joke made at the expense of his wife of 25 years, Jada Pinkett Smith. "Change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."

Getting back into Hollywood's good graces isn't going to be easy. Though Will, 53, received a standing ovation when he accepted his Best Actor trophy for King Richard shortly after the assault, many distanced themselves from the leading man in the ensuing days. Reports surfaced that Will's talent agency considered dropping him, while several of his upcoming movies were put on the back burner. Peers including Judd Apatow, Jim Carrey, Zoë Kravitz, Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer also spoke out against the star.