Will Smith Film ‘Emancipation’ Will Be Released in December

The Will Smith film "Emancipation" will be released in December and will be eligible for the awards season.

While releasing a trailer for the film on Monday, Apple said "Emancipation" would have a limited theatrical release on December 2nd. The controversy surrounding Mr. Smith's slap on Chris Rock at the Oscars caused Apple to delay the release of the film. Apple wouldn't say anything about its plans for the film.

After the incident with Mr. Rock, Mr. Smith won an Academy Award for his performance in King Richard. He resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after winning his first Academy Award. He was barred from the organization for the next 10 years.

The punishment does not preclude the actor from being nominated for an award for his work, though it did not bode well for "Emancipation," which had been considered an awards candidate before Mr. Smith hit Mr. Rock. The decision to release the film in a limited number of theaters before its debut on the service suggests that Apple is going to push it for an award this year.

That could make a bad situation worse. The academy has indicated that it is ready to move on. The organization's chief executive said it wouldn't be joked about at the next Academy Awards ceremony.

Mr. Smith plays Peter, a man who escaped slavery and fought for the Union Army. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosted a screening of the film on Saturday night in Washington. After the event, there was a Q and A with Mr. Smith and Mr. Fuqua.

Mr. Smith apologized on his channel. It has been seen by nearly four million people.