Emancipation was shown to a group of influencers on Saturday night in Washington, D.C. by Apple Original Films.
The Antoine Fuqua-helmed period drama/survival epic, which is based on real events, prompted a bidding battle between Warner Bros., Universal, MGM, and Lionsgate.
Apple ultimately prevailed, and it appeared that they had a strong candidate for both award consideration and widespread public interest with an A-lister portraying the starring role of a runaway.
Emancipation stars Will Smith, who kind of-sorta lost his cool in a very public way earlier at the Academy Awards this year, striking comedian Chris Rock across the face and requesting.
Of course, that was before “The Slap.” Fortunately for Smith, the small window following his assault on Rock and before anyone could decide how to react allowed him to win his Best Actor award for King Richard.
The public may be able to separate Will Smith’s conduct from his performing, or they may not care at all, even if the actor resigned from the Academy.
Apple made a little test on Saturday, and the feedback was favourable.
Apple is obviously aware that they are dealing with a major motion picture. It’s unclear when they’ll really release this project.
which was initially made with the upcoming awards season in mind.Smith admitted that throughout his entire career.
He had avoided telling slave stories in his initial remarks about the film. Smith assured the audience that the movie was not about slavery.