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Will Smith Is Banned from the Oscars for 10 Years

Photo credit: Neilson Barnard - Getty Images
Photo credit: Neilson Barnard - Getty Images

The Will Smith Oscars drama continues: today, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced Will Smith will be banned from all Academy events—including the Oscars—for 10 years. Smith will still be able to be nominated for and win Oscars, he just won't be able to attend the ceremony.

"I accept and respect the Academy’s decision," Smith said in a statement. He resigned from the Academy last week.

Less than an hour after Smith slapped Chris Rock, he accepted the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in King Richard. In his acceptance speech, Smith said, "I wanna apologize to the Academy, I wanna apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment. And I'm not crying for winning an award—it's not about winning an award for me."

Two days later, Smith apologized to Rock in a statement posted to his social media, writing, "I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness." Rock has declined to press charges.

Perhaps the Academy's decision will be the end to this saga.

Read the Academy's full statement on Will Smith's ban:

The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.

During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.

Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. 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.

We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.

This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.

Thank you.

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