Will Smith Slapped With A 10-Year Oscars Ban

Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years.

The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences voted Friday (Apr 8) to ban Will Smith from any “Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” for 10 years.

The ban was in response to Smith sapping Chris Rock during this year’s Oscars ceremony, which has been described by Academy president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a letter as "unprecedented".

Here is the full statement from the Academy (per Variety)

“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.”

See the full list of Academy Board of Governors members here.

Responding to the ban, Smith said in a statement, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

Photo: TPG News/Click Photos