It may seem like it’s been ages since the infamous Will Smith slap on stage with Chris Rock. But as they say things heal with time. Given Will Smith’s performance after seeing Emancipation, you may feel differently or even forget the incident ever occurred. In April, Will Smith resigned from the Academy in which his statement read, “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.

Now that time has passed, should he be reinstated? Will Smith is back and he’s back with another stellar performance. After winning last year for his role in King Richard, Emancipation may be a follow up towards another nomination. Emancipation, a Apple Original (Studios) film, is one mans fight in attempt to reunite his family under unbelievable odds which directly rides into the intersection of slavery and the Civil War.

Inspired by a true story, from a script by William N. Collage, the film is produced by Will Smith and Jon Mone courtesy of Will’s Westbrook Studios, McFarland Entertainment and Escape Artists. Heather Washington, Chris Brigham, James Lassiter, Cliff Roberts, Glen Basner, Scott Greenberg and Antoine Fuqua serve as executive producers of the film.

Emancipation, is exactly what the title implies, “the process of being freed from a social, political or legal situation. Will Smith plays the role of ‘Peter,’ a enslaved black man that goes through unbelievable torture and pain as he attempts to navigate his way to freedom. The graphic depiction is by far one of director Antoine Fuqua’s best works, as he literally places viewers in the passenger seat of reality. Peter escapes the hands of his handlers in search of Lincoln’s army to seek freedom, not just for himself, but his family as well. In the process, Peter is humiliated, degraded and at times rebellious as he defies bravery, taking life defying chances to achieve his goal.

Peter is unlike the normal enslaved man; he is self educated on life, which gives him an advantage of survival. From wrestling an alligator, to fooling attack hunting dogs, Peter has a willing drive to survive and it will leave audiences with their jaws in their lap.

While on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Trevor asked Smith, “why this project in particular?” Will Smith replied as he stared at the famous picture of Peter, “When first seeing that image was one of the things that really got me excited to explore. The script told the story regarding slavery in a different way. Will Smith went to state that his daughter asked, “Dad, do we need another slave movie”? Will responded “I promised I wouldn’t make a slave movie, This is a freedom movie.” “

Emancipation is Oscar worthy, as a matter of fact, many speculate that all should be forgiven. How do you turn your back on a masterpiece? The 132-minute reel has the feel of genuine greatness from the opening credits. Based on the true story of “Whipped Peter”, the pictures of the escaped slave and the whips on his back, the 1863 photo known as “The Scourged Back”, has become known as the unofficial trademark of slavery and the Civil War. After fleeing captors and traveling over 60 kilometers for over ten days, Peter is ultimately rescued by Union Soldiers. The trials and rigors of surviving 10 days in swamps, fighting an alligator, and scavenging food shows acts of heroism that most couldn’t stomach.

After being rescued, Peter enlists as a Union soldier and – You must watch, and tell us if Will Smith is Worthy of a Oscar Nod?