One movie that came out this year that wasn't nominated for anything and almost nobody saw is a movie that's deeply relevant to what happened last night, albeit in a way that's much more dramatic - The Last Duel
So much of the praise being heaped on Will Smith is basically coming from that perspective of defending his wife's honor.
He wasn't defending his wife's life or physical well-being unless you're part of the "silence is violence" crowd.
Most of the people who are taking Will Smith's side should be the people who look back on duels over insults to one's honor or his family's honor as barbaric.
Still, even when the insults did come to blows, or even duels to the death in those cultures, there's a reason why "Pistols at dawn." is a line. Even far worse insults and even crimes brought with them a process, a meeting of the minds, and a mutual agreement to fight. You weren't supposed to just walk up to a dude and bitch slap him. That wouldn't be considered to be courageous or honorable.