Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars? The Academy finally weighs in

Is this is the end of the slap saga?

Will Smith at the Oscars in 2022 after the infamous slap
(Image credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars? The 94th Academy Awards has passed, but everyone is still completely consumed by this infamous slap. 

Though Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock for his behavior, he still faced repercussions. On Friday, April 8, almost two weeks since the incident, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences released a statement about the actor's future in the organization. 



Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars?

“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,” President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement.

Although the scandal was meant to be addressed at an April 18 Board of Governors meeting, the Academy sped up the process upon hearing Smith's resignation announcement.

Will Smith appears to slap Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California

(Image credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty)

Though it initially seemed like a bit, the slap was very much meant to cause tension. 

Viewers were all stunned and asked, "What happened with Will Smith at the Oscars?" After Chris Rock made a joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia, Smith ventured on stage for the slap before warning the comedian to "keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth."

In his apology on Instagram, Smith wrote: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally."

It appears the admission of guilt came too late—he'll be forced to wait over a decade to partake in some of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Now that the verdict is out, perhaps this is the end of widely-discussed topic. Here's hoping the 95th Annual Academy Awards goes more smoothly. 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.