Will Smith be barred from attending the Academy Awards for the next ten years; here's how he reacts.
by Ana Walia | Sat, 09 Apr 2022 20:20:19 GMT
Will Smith is banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years. Image Source: People

The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science has concluded the actor Will Smith’s actions at the 94th annual Academy Awards, where he went on stage to slap a co-actor, comedian, and presenter, Chris Rock, for a joke on his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science has announced a 10-year ban on Will Smith’s attendance at the annual Academy Awards. The Academy said in a statement that the 94th Academy Awards were meant to be a celebration of many individuals’ hard work and dedication towards their work, but their achievements and moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior that was displayed by Mr. Smith on-stage.

The Academy's statement acknowledged the fact that during the live telecast of the ceremony, no action was taken against the actor, and the Academy apologized for that, as that was the moment for them to step up and set an example for the guests who were seated in the Dolby Theatre as well as the viewers who were watching the ceremony along with the Academy family around the world.

The Board has decided that Will Smith will not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs for a decade, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards. The Academy extended their deepest apologies and gratitude to Chris Rock for being calm and composed during such an unprepared situation. They also thanked the hosts, Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes, the presenters, and winners, for keeping their poise and grace maintained during the ceremony and for not reacting to the situation.

The statement was sent and signed by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, who also said that they were looking forward to taking this time to heal and restore restoration for everyone involved and impacted by the sudden situation. The action from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science is taken toward the larger goal of protecting the safety of the performers, guests, presenters, and hosts who cheerfully attend the ceremony.

After the announcement from the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, actor Will Smith said in a statement that he respects and accepts the academy’s decision. Will Smith recently announced that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science, which means he has lost his right to vote, but he has mentioned that he is ready to accept whatever decision the Academy decides to take because he was wrong and he is embarrassed by his actions.

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Will Smith also issued an apology to the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, along with Chris Rock and his family, stating that his actions during the ceremony were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. He acknowledged that due to his actions, he had taken away the spotlight from other nominees and winners to shine and celebrate themselves that night, and he was heartbroken to even think about it. The actor stated in his apology that he wants to work on himself and put the world’s focus back on the ones who deserve the attention for their work and dedication.

The Academy did draw some criticism from the members and industry professionals for their decision to let Will Smith not only keep his Oscar for King Richard but also give him time to give his acceptance speech, after which he received a standing ovation from the audience. It was later reported that after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, he was asked to leave the ceremony, but he refused to leave, and the director of the Oscars mentioned that everybody thought that when he went on stage he would apologize to Chris Rock, but he didn’t.

Originally, the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science was supposed to meet on April 18, but they pushed up the meeting to April 8 to discuss the situation and consequences as Will Smith willingly resigned from the Academy.

The View host, Whoopi Goldberg, who is also on the Academy's Board of Governors, recently said that actor Will Smith's career will bounce back soon leaving the controversy of the Oscars behind. Other members on the Board of Governors for the Academy include Ava DuVernay, Steven Spielberg, Laura Dern, Rita Wilson, among others. 

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