Posted in: ABC, Preview, TV | Tagged: ABC, academy awards, chris rock, oscars, will smith

AMPAS Bans Oscar Winner Will Smith from Ceremony for 10 Years

A week after resigning from the academy as it was beginning its review of the Oscar winner slapping presenter Chris Rock during the live ABC Academy Awards broadcast over Rock's joke at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith ("Jada, I love you, 'G.I. Jane 2,' can't wait to see it"), Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Board of Governors has come to a decision on what action they take against Will Smith. In AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson & President David Rubin's letter to Academy members, it was announced that Smith will not be able to attend the Oscars for 10 years as of April 8, 2022. Though many will read the decision as a "slap on the wrist" (it was just too easy), there was little that AMPAS could do once Smith submitted his resignation last week. To be clear, the decision does not impact Smith's ability to be nominated or to win future Oscars. Here's a look at Hudson & Rubin's letter:

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,

David Rubin
President

Dawn Hudson
CEO

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