Will Smith was banned from the Oscars for the next ten years as a result of the infamous slap gate during the live shows. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced that he is banned from attending the prestigious awards ceremonies.
“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,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Will Smith said acknowledging the decision of the Academy.
The Academy’s letter added: “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.”
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the letter went on to state. “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.”
The Board of Governors said in a previous statement that they wanted the matter to be “handled in a timely fashion.”
Smith’s resignation means that he is no longer part of the Academy’s voting body, but it does not prevent the Oscar winner from being nominated in the future. Smith can also still be nominated despite being barred from attending the Oscars.
He is set to present the best actress award next year, however, this tradition will have to be replaced due to the ban.