UNITED STATES: Will Smith is banned from all of the motion picture academy’s activities on Friday, including a 10-year suspension from the Oscars. The 53-year-old actor will be barred from attending any award ceremonies or events, both physically and virtually. The actor, however, is allowed to keep the Oscar he won this year for his role in King Richard.
Due to the controversial slap of Chris Rock by Will Smith, the 94th Academy Awards have become the center of attention, or more accurately, the hot subject on the buzz this year. On March 27, 2022, Oscar witnessed the unexpected when Will rushed up to the stage and slapped Chris Rock in the face, following the comedian cracking a joke regarding Will’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Despite the controversies surrounding the slap, Will won the Academy Award for best actor for his newest film, King Richard.
The entire crowd was astonished by the slapping issue, leading to the 94th Academy Award becoming the most talked-about event in Hollywood. Will Smith apologized publicly to Chris Rock following the incident. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith posted on Instagram after the Academy Awards.
“The 94th Oscars were meant to celebrate 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,” the academy said. “I accept and respect the academy’s decision,” Smith said.
On the other hand, Chris Rock preferred not to pursue legal action and has yet to speak publicly about the matter.
Will Smith’s 10-year ban from the Academy Awards means he won’t present one of the prominent awards the following year since it is customary for the best actor winner. The academy statement did not respond whether Smith would be eligible to nominate for an Oscar during the 10-year ban.
Also Read: Will Smith Wins the Best Actor Award at 2022 Oscars
