The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars and all other Academy-related events for 10 years following his physical altercation with Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. The decision, announced on April 8, 2022, by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, followed Smith’s voluntary resignation from the organization.
The Academy’s Disciplinary Action
On March 27, 2022, during the live broadcast of the 94th Academy Awards, actor Will Smith walked onto the stage and struck presenter Chris Rock after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Following the incident, the Academy’s Board of Governors convened to determine the professional consequences for Smith’s actions.
According to a formal statement released by the Academy, the Board decided that for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including the Academy Awards. The Academy noted that the 94th Oscars were intended as a celebration of the many individuals who did extraordinary work over the past year, but that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior Smith exhibited on stage.
Will Smith’s Resignation and Response
Prior to the Academy’s final disciplinary ruling, Will Smith issued a public apology and resigned his membership from the organization. In a statement provided to Variety on April 1, 2022, Smith described his actions as "shocking, painful, and inexcusable."
Smith stated that he betrayed the trust of the Academy and deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. By resigning, Smith acknowledged that he would accept any further consequences the Board of Governors deemed appropriate. As a result of his resignation, Smith lost his right to vote in future Academy Awards, though he remained eligible for future nominations and wins under the Academy’s bylaws at the time.
Context of the 94th Academy Awards Incident
The incident occurred after Chris Rock, presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature, made a comment comparing Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair to the character G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggles with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
Immediately following the strike, Smith returned to his seat and shouted at Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. Later that same evening, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard. During his acceptance speech, he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees, though he did not mention Rock by name at that time. Chris Rock declined to file a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department following the incident, according to a statement released by the department shortly after the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Will Smith still be nominated for an Oscar?
Yes. While the 10-year ban prevents Smith from attending the ceremony or participating in Academy events, the rules in place at the time of his resignation did not strip him of his eligibility to receive nominations or win awards for his future film projects.
Did Chris Rock press charges?
No. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in March 2022 that the individual involved—Chris Rock—declined to file a police report.
What was the Academy’s specific reasoning for the ban?
The Academy stated the ban was intended to protect the performers and guests at future ceremonies and to restore trust in the organization, emphasizing that the behavior displayed during the 94th broadcast was not representative of the Academy’s values.
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