The King Richard actor will, however, keep his Oscar award.
Will Smith will not be allowed to attend the Academy Awards for the next 10 years, as a result of slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during this year’s Oscar ceremony. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced in a statement on Friday.
The decision was made during a Board of Governors meeting. The meeting, initially scheduled for April 18, was expedited after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy last week.
“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,” the statement read.
Will Smith has since accepted the board’s decision. In a statement, Will Smith said, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Smith apologised and resigned from the Academy less than a week after he slapped comedian Chris Rock.
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 despite being barred from the Academy.
