Will Smith’s new film Emancipation is coming out this year

Virgin Radio

4 Oct 2022, 09:43

Will Smith has entered the race for the 2023 Academy Award for best actor, as it has been announced that his new film, Emancipation, will be released later this year.

The Hollywood star won the Oscar for best actor in March for his performance in his last film, King Richard. However, the ceremony was overshadowed by Smith slapping host Chris Rock on stage. He was consequently banned from attending any Academy event for 10 years.

It was previously rumoured that the release of his slavery thriller, Emancipation, would be delayed by Apple until 2023, but it has now been revealed that it will actually come out in December, making it eligible for next year’s Oscars. 

The film, directed by Training Day’s Antoine Fuqua, will land in cinemas on 2nd December, and will then be available to stream a week later.

Emancipation is based on the true story of an enslaved man, who joined the Union Army in the 1860s after escaping from slavery in a Louisiana plantation. 

The film’s trailer sees Smith’s character say: “We must get to Lincoln’s army. Five days through the swamp. There are many ways to die in the swamp. There are many ways to die here.”

Later in the clip, he says: “My family is with me forever,” before the trailer shows scenes of warfare.

“I will look in triumph at my enemies,” his character states.

You can check out the trailer here: 

Emancipation will also star Ben Foster, Steven Ogg and Charmaine Bingwa.

Will Smith will be up against the likes of Brendan Fraser for The Whale, and Colin Farrell for The Banshees of Inisherin, at the Oscars.

At the last event, Apple took out the best picture award for its incredible family drama, Coda.