Will Smith Eligible for Future Oscars Nominations Despite 10-Year Ban?
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences' Board of Governors met on Friday morning to discuss Will Smith's future at the Oscars following his on-stage altercation with Chris Rock; they agreed to give him a shocking sanction.
According to Variety, the group voted to ban the actor from any Academy Awards-sponsored ceremony, including the Oscars, for ten years.
The Academy has issued a statement saying the recent awards show was meant to celebrate individuals from the film community who have done incredible work over the past year.
However, the moments were overshadowed by the "King Richard" actor's on-stage assault, which the Academy deemed "unacceptable and harmful."
The organization also apologized for the matter as they didn't address the situation immediately. They admitted that they felt short and unprepared for the issue.
Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson continued the statement, saying, "the Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."
The action they took in response to the actor's behavior is a "step toward a larger goal of protecting" the safety of their guests and performers.
The organization later clarified that they didn't have too many options to impose as Smith's membership did not exist anymore after he filed for resignation.
The actor, who resigned from the organization last week, has reacted to the Academy's shocking announcement, saying he accepts and respects the decision.
Despite the ten-year ban, The Independent UK reported that the actor can still be nominated for prestigious categories in the future; however, he will not be able to receive the awards in person or virtually if he were to win another Oscar.
The latest announcement comes almost two weeks after Will Smith went on stage and slapped Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars.
The comedian made a "G.I. Jane" joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smith's hair in his monologue before presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature.
The "Red Table Talk" host has been open about her alopecia journey, a condition that causes a person's hair to fall severely.
Smith appeared to be disappointed with the joke as he shouted, "keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth!" upon sitting.
