Hollywood‘s film academy barred Will Smith from attending the Oscars for ten years on Friday, 12 days after the best actor winner hit presenter Chris Rock on stage during the Academy Awards event.
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ board of governors adopted the step during a meeting held one week after Smith pre-emptively resigned from the organization following his outburst during the live, broadcast event.
Academy President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson in a statement affirmed, “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.”
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.” Smith stated in a statement. The actor has previously apologized to Rock, the Academy Awards producers, nominees, and viewers. Along with the Oscars, the film industry’s most coveted prizes, the board barred Smith for ten years from attending any other academy events or programs, in person or digitally.
However, the group did not state that he would be ineligible for Oscars’ nominations during that time period. Smith’s next film, the action thriller “Emancipation,” about a man attempting to emancipate himself from slavery, was scheduled to be released later this year.
There has been no news on the Apple TV+ (AAPL.O) film since Smith went up to the stage at the March 27 ceremony and hit comedian Rock across the face in response to a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, appearance.
Only about an hour later, Smith delivered an emotional acceptance speech on stage as he collected the best actor award for his portrayal of Serena and Venus Williams’ father in “King Richard,” He was seen dancing following the event at Vanity Fair’s annual post-Oscars party.
Rock’s joke about Pinkett Smith was a reference to Demi Moore’s shorn head in the 1997 picture “G.I. Jane” It was unclear whether Rock was aware that she suffers from a hair loss condition.
The academy’s officials stated on Friday that they did not effectively address the problem during the telecast.
“We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast,” they added.
“We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
Mr. Rock’s coolness under remarkable circumstances was also lauded by the academy’s CEO and president.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
