Guwahati: Following best actor winner Will Smith smacked presenter Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards ceremony, the film academy’s board of governors banned him from attending any of its events for ten years, including the Oscars.
In a statement, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin and Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said, “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did amazing work this past year.”
“However, wonderful moments were overshadowed by Mr. Smith’s on-stage disrespectful and detrimental behaviour.”
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in a statement. On April 1, the actor resigned from the academy and apologised to Rock, the Oscars producers, nominees, and viewers in comments.
Smith stepped up to the stage after comedian Chris Rock made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, at the March 27 broadcast ceremony, then hit Rock across the face.
Smith accepted the best actor prize for his part in “King Richard” less than an hour later, giving a heartfelt statement on stage. He was seen dancing at Vanity Fair’s annual post-Oscars party after the event.