The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has finally come to a decision on Will Smith after his slap of Chris Rock during the Oscars nearly two weeks ago, deciding to ban the Best Actor winner from the Oscars and any other Academy events for the next 10 years.
Here's part of a statement from the Academy on the matter, via The Hollywood Reporter:
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. 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.
Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. 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.
There was a lot of controversy and changing stories surrounding the Academy's response to the slap, as they acknowledged in this statement. Some thought Smith should have been kicked out, but he stuck around and gave his Best Actor speech after winning for King Richard.
Will Smith will not have to give back that award, and he will not barred from getting nominated during these next 10 years. He previously resigned from the Academy over his actions, which stemmed from a Rock joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith.
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