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Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years

Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years

The actor will not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programmes, in person or virtually, for the next decade.
09 Apr, 2022

Will Smith was banned on Friday from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years, two weeks after the actor stunned the world by storming on stage mid-ceremony to slap comedian Chris Rock.

Smith will also not be permitted to attend any other events held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over the next decade.

The decision, set out in a letter from Academy chiefs, did not revoke the best actor award Smith won last month for King Richard, nor did it mention any ban on future Oscar nominations.

“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 programmes, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” wrote president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

Academy governors convened on Friday morning to discuss actions against Smith, with board members Steven Spielberg and Whoopi Goldberg among those invited to rule on the actor’s fate.

The meeting of top brass from Hollywood’s leading industry body was originally set to discuss suspending or expelling Smith, but he preemptively resigned from the group.

Actors do not need to be members of the Academy to receive nominations, although each year’s Oscar nominees — and winners — are voted for by members of the group.

Smith’s actions during a live global broadcast stunned audiences and cast a shadow over both the night’s big winners and the Tinseltown showcase event itself.

“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,” said the Academy letter.

It added, “This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy.”

Originally published in Dawn, April 9th, 2022

Comments

Noted Apr 09, 2022 10:08am
Good decision as his actions were in reaction to host's sub- civil joke.
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Asif Apr 09, 2022 10:33am
Good decision!!! Please Stay Cool & Calm!!!
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Daredevil Apr 09, 2022 10:35am
This was nothing but drama. It won't happen he will come next year.
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Facts Apr 09, 2022 11:39am
Have they done anything to stop bullying in the name of comedy in their shows? Nowadays Comedy is nothing but vulgar insults and bullying.. thats not talent .
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Ahmed Apr 09, 2022 11:50am
What Chris Rock did was wrong. What Will Smith did was wrong aswell. For all the married men in this site. Please think of what you'll do if someone makes fun of your wife. Something has to be done. I think he should've just yelled at Chris to shut the hell up.
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NYS Apr 09, 2022 12:53pm
Aggression >Suppression What about Chris will he be invited for next Oscars Smith didn't get retired from acting so how will he receive his next award Point to ponder
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ST Apr 09, 2022 01:12pm
Awesome!
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Inquisitor Apr 09, 2022 01:44pm
Decision of the academy is aking to smacking Smith with a wet lettuce. Imagine the hullabaloo if a white guy had slapped the black host, or if the host had been a woman!
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Aisha Apr 09, 2022 02:27pm
What about Chris Rock who instigated the fight? He mocked someone who had a medical condition. That also needs to be a wrong punished by banning Mr Rock for 10 from the Oscars!
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Arshad Apr 09, 2022 02:29pm
So the ghosts of his bitter memories will come after 10 years again, when this is ban is lifted :-)
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Apr 09, 2022 02:56pm
Too little, too late.
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Anonymouseee Apr 09, 2022 03:34pm
Serves him right. And he has his wife to thank for.
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Changez Khan Apr 09, 2022 04:05pm
I don't think he cares about Oscars or awards, his acting in the film industry will continue.
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Jason Apr 10, 2022 12:40pm
I still feel he sho7ld have lost the oscar
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