Will Smith receives 10-year ban from Oscars

The Academy’s decision stemmed from Smith slapping Chris Rock at this year’s ceremony in March.

April 08, 2022
Will Smith receives 10-year ban from Oscars Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.  

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Board of Governors met this morning to discuss potential consequences for Will Smith after he slapped Chris Rock on the Oscars stage last month. They voted to ban Smith from all Academy events, including the Oscars, for the next 10 years.

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"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," AMPAS President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson wrote in an open letter to the Academy's full membership. "We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."

Last week, Smith resigned from the Academy, calling his behavior "shocking, painful and inexcusable." Today, he kept his response brief: "“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”

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Will Smith receives 10-year ban from Oscars