The Academy has banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars and associated events for a period of 10 years. The punishment was announced by the Academy Board of Governors following a meeting on Friday morning. The meeting had originally been scheduled for April 18th, but was pushed up after Smith announced his resignation from the Academy and said he would not contest any additional punishments. “This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the Academy’s president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.” Advertisement Related Video In a bri...
Production on several of Will Smith’s upcoming films has been paused following his onstage slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars, The Hollywood Reporter notes. One project now on the back burner is Netflix’s Fast and Loose. Smith was set to play a crime boss who loses his memory. As he tries to piece together his old identity, he finds clues that he lived a double life as a wealthy crime lord and an impoverished CIA operative. Deadpool 2’s David Leitch was attached to direct, but one week before the Academy Awards he moved on to the Ryan Gosling vehicle Fall Guy. THR reports that Netflix had put out an urgent call for an experienced director to replace him, but following the slap, Fast and Loose has no director and a suddenly controversial star. Currently, it’...
Immediately after assaulting Chris Rock at the Oscars, Will Smith was consoled by Denzel Washington. During an appearance at Pastor T.D. Jakes’ Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Washington spoke for the first time about the incident. During his acceptance speech for Best Actor, Smith thanked Washington for his support. “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you,” Smith recalled Washington telling him. Washington shared a similar message on Saturday. “There’s a saying when the devil ignores you, then you know you’re doing something wrong,” Washington said (via Variety). “The devil goes ‘Oh, no, leave him alone, he’s my favorite.’ Conversely, when the devil comes at you, maybe it’s because he’s trying to do something right. And for whatever reas...
Will Smith, in the wake of slapping Chris Rock at Sunday’s Oscars, has decided to resign from the membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Smith said he was heartbroken and would accept all consequences for his conduct. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,” Smith said in the statement. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for thei...
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences after assaulting Chris Rock at last Sunday’s Academy Awards. In a statement released Friday, Smith said: “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who dese...