The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have ruled that actor/producer Will Smith will not be able to attend the Oscars for ten years.
The ruling was handed down in the wake of Smith’s slapping of Chris Rock on-stage at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27th. In a letter sent to the full membership by AMPAS President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, it is said that in the wake of Smith’s “unacceptable and harmful behavior” he shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.
Smith already resigned from AMPAS on April 1st, but one doesn’t have to be a member to attend the Oscars. Under this ruling, Smith will not be able to attend until the 2033 ceremony at the earliest. The ruling however doesn’t prevent him from being nominated in future years.
The letter expressed “deep gratitude” to Chris Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. There reportedly was never ever a possibility that Smith would have his Best Actor Oscar taken away from him.
In a short statement made this morning after the news, Smith said: “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Source: Variety
