Will Smith received a 10-year ban from attending any Academy events, including the Oscars, after he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the 2022 awards ceremony. Smith accepted responsibility for his actions, stating, “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
Harvey Weinstein, a former Hollywood mogul, was expelled from the Academy in 2017 following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. The Academy took action against Weinstein before criminal charges were filed.
He was later convicted and sentenced to 39 years in prison for his crimes. In 2018, comedian Bill Cosby faced a lifetime ban from the Oscars after being convicted of drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand. The Academy emphasized its commitment to ethical standards and human dignity in its decision.
Cosby served three years in prison before his conviction was overturned.
Celebrities facing Oscars exclusion
Actor Carmine Caridi, known for his roles in “The Godfather” films, was banned for life in 2004 after leaking VHS copies of Oscar-contending movies to a friend who was a well-known movie pirate.
Despite being cleared in a copyright infringement lawsuit, the ban remained in place. Director Roman Polanski has been living in exile since 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Although he won Best Director for “The Pianist” in 2003, the Academy expelled him in 2018 as part of its updated ethical standards.
Cinematographer Adam Kimmel was expelled from the Academy in 2021 after it was discovered that he was a registered sex offender. Kimmel had joined the Academy in 2007, despite earlier convictions for assaulting minors. The Academy reevaluated its membership selection process and decided to expel him to align with its values.
These bans reflect the Academy’s ongoing efforts to uphold its standards and integrity, ensuring that its members reflect its commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human dignity.