The Academy has barred Will Smith from the Oscars for 10 years as a consequence of slapping Chris Rock on stage during the Oscars ceremony.
The Academy’s Board of Governors accepted the actor’s resignation as a member. However, Will Smith has not been banned from nominations for the next decade.
“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 academy said in an open letter.
“The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, that 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 organization added.
Shortly after the Academy’s ruling, Smith released a brief statement via his spokesperson and said, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Following his apology to the Academy during his Best Actor acceptance speech, he apologized directly to Chris Rock and condemned his own actions as wrong.
In the open letter, the academy apologized for not taking steps to “adequately address the situation in the room” after the shocking event.
“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,” the academy said.
