When can Will Smith return to the Oscars?
AUDIENCES were shocked at Will Smith’s violent encounter with Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards.
During the live ceremony, Will Smith left viewers flabbergasted after he slapped Chris Rock in the face.
When can Will Smith return to the Oscars?
After the 2022 Oscars, it was announced that Smith would be banned from the award show for 10 years.
“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,” AMPAS President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement, via Deadline.
“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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Along with getting banned, Smith also announced that he was resigning from the Academy over the backlash from the incident.
Smith can return to the Oscars starting on April 8, 2032.
Why was Will Smith banned?
While serving as the host of the 2022 Academy Awards, Rock made several jokes.
Among those jokes was one about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, which is a medical condition that causes hair loss.
While on stage, Rock quipped about her hair, saying: “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you,” in reference to how Demi Moore shaved her head for the role in 1997.
Moments after, Smith walked on stage and slapped Rock in the face, later returning to his seat and telling Rock twice to, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth.”
Following the altercation, Rock, who previously made jokes about Pinkett Smith in 2016, appeared stunned, telling the audience, “Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me.”
The slap ultimately broke the internet, which led to an investigation by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors.
They later determined that he should be banned due to the incident.
What is the Oscars’ code of conduct?
After viewers saw Smith slap Rock, the Oscars’ code of conduct is the center of much speculation.
In a 2017 letter obtained by Variety, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson detailed the guidelines concerning violations and misconduct.
The letter read: “Academy membership is a privilege offered to only a select few within the global community of filmmakers.”
“The Academy’s goal is not to be an investigative body, but rather ensure that when a grievance is made, it will go through a fair and methodical process.”
“This process will determine whether a claim will be brought to the Board for possible action regarding membership status.”
The guidelines further stated: “In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also behave ethically by upholding the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity.”
“The Academy asks that members embrace their responsibility to affirm these principles and act when these principles are violated.”
“There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency.”
More information about the Oscars’ rules and regulations can be found here.