Will Smith becomes Oscar winner on night embroiled in controversy

Will Smith, left, and Jada Pinkett Smith arrive at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Will Smith’s first Oscar win has been shrouded in controversy after the actor tearfully apologised on stage following an incident with comedian Chris Rock in which he appeared to hit him during the live awards ceremony.

Philadelphia-born Smith, 53, appeared to take offence to a gag Rock made on stage about Jada Pinkett Smith’s short haircut, resulting in him marching on stage to confront the comedian.