I tend to think the whole thing was staged... I mean it happened between two ACTORS, literally ON A STAGE.
If it were real it would have happened differently - if it were real Chris Rock would have fought back (or ran) and security would have rushed the stage or at least approached Will Smith at his seat. Instead, Chris exclaimed what we all saw happened (or did we?) while Will walks back to his seat. No security, nothing. Will yells at Chris from his seat and things get genuinely awkward, but it's all part of the show folks.
Will Smith then goes on to win the award for 'Best Actor'. Can't make this up!
I don't know really. I still see it as real, but as I mentioned below, I have no proof either way.
I couldn't agree more. Everything I've seen and heard about this incident reinforces my belief that it was staged.