'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYH/8QAIRAAAgEDAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIhAAQFAwYREhQkQXH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACA//EABgRAQEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAjFB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwCM2bvjts9j7tUc2wGqhKSzoo9qY44APE1qmpnds9beNYNJlrGT9ilKpj1i6C//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Actors getting themselves banned from the Oscars is not a new feat, but you have to be living under a rock (pun intended) if you are unaware of the Will Smith controversy during the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022.
During the 2022 Oscars, Chris Rock, while presenting an award on stage, made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, which did not sit right with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star. As a result, Will Smith slapped Rock on the face on the stage and in front of the audience.
This incident took the Internet by storm, with people making memes, and it also got Will Smith banned from the Awards.
Since this incident, many people have wondered whether Will Smith can attend the Oscars. And the simple answer to that question is: No, Smith cannot attend further Oscars and other Academy events till 2032, under a 10-year term.
More on Will Smith's 2022 Oscars controversy in our story.
What was Will Smith's Oscars controversy that got him a 10-year ban from the event?
During the 2022 awards, Rock was on-stage to present the Best Documentary Feature award when he made a joke about Jada's shaved head.
Referring to Demi Moore's character, who had a shaved head in the 1997 movie G.I.Jane, Rock said, referencing Jada:
“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it, all right?”
At that time, Jada also had a shaved head because of her diagnosis of the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which she shared with the world in 2018.
The joke did not sit right with her husband, and he got on stage and slapped Rock, who was taken aback by his action.
Maintaining his professionalism, Rock continued to present the Oscar Awards, when Smith continued his profanity even from his seat:
“Keep my wife’s name out your f**king mouth!”
In retaliation, Rock defended himself by saying:
“It was a G.I. Jane joke!”
Will Smith's behavior got him banned from the Oscar Awards for 10 years
After this incident, Smith resigned from his Academy membership, and the Academy released the following statement banning him from the Awards till 2032:
“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,”
That night, after this incident, Smith won the Best Actor Award for King Richard, where he apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and audience, but not to Rock, saying:
“I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”
The next day, he issued a formal apology to Rock via his social media:
“I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out so I will say to you Chris, I apologise to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk,”
Smith made his first award appearance at the 2025 Grammys after his controversy
While Smith remains banned from the Academy Awards and events, it did not stop the actor from attending the 2025 Grammys, which was also his first award show appearance after his controversy.
Donning a black suit, he attended the awards to present a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Quincy Jones. Jones passed away last year and was a 28-time Grammy winner.
Trending
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
