This year’s Oscar is expected to be different from the last. With the Will Smith slapgate incident, things have certainly changed. It is not just he who will miss out on the awards. The Academy Awards also has the new dilemma of dealing with finding a substitute. There are certain traditions that the event follows, and one of these traditions is the reason why the King Richard actor was supposed to be present.

So traditionally, the last year’s Best Actor winner presents the award for the current year’s Best Actress and vice versa. But considering Smith’s absence, the previous winners could act as a substitute.

Potential actors who are likely to replace Will Smith for presenting at Oscars 2023

The 2023 Oscars is set to take place on 12 March. With the date nearing, it is not just the celebrities preparing to dazzle at the event, but the event organizers are tasked with finding a perfect substitute for Will Smith. The last few winners of the award have been Joaquin Phoenix (2020), Rami Malek (2018), Gary Oldman (2017), and so on. However, some of the older actors could also be selected to keep up with the 30+ years of tradition.

Now, Smith is not the only person to have gotten himself banned. Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Carmine Caridi were also booted out of the Oscars because of their controversies. As for Smith, he has been banned for a decade, with his membership being canceled. While these are potential presenters on the female side, the award for Best Male Actor could be presented by Jessica Chastain, Ariana DeBose, or Troy Kotsur.

Smith’s substitute will only be revealed during the actual show. But one of these nominees would definitely be up on the stage to receive an award.

The nominations for Oscar 2023 best actor and actress category

The most discussed nominee in the Best Actor category has been Brendan Fraser for his comeback in The Whale. He is followed by Elvis’ Austin Butler and Colin Farrell for The Banshees of Inisherin. The other two nominated actors include the likes of Living’s Bill Nighy and Paul Mescal for Aftersun.

As for the Best Actress category, Michelle Yeoh is a top contender with Everything Everywhere All at Once. She is accompanied by Ana de Armas for playing Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, Cate Blanchett for Tar, Michelle Williams for The Fabelmans, and Andrea Riseborough for To Leslie.

Who is your pick for presenting an Oscar to the winner? Comment your thoughts.