On Friday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced a penalty decision against Will Smith over the "slap," banning him from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years.
During the live broadcast of the Oscars at the end of March, Will Smith rushed to the stage and slapped the host Chris Locke in anger at ridiculing his wife's bald-headed image. After the incident, Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and said he was willing to accept all the punishments imposed by the academy.
On Friday, the Academy said in an open letter: "In addition to accepting Will Smith's resignation, today the Council convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to his actions at the Oscars. ”
"The Board has decided that for a period of 10 years from 8 April 2022, Mr. Smith shall not participate in any Oscar event or project, including but not limited to, the Oscars, in person or by video," the statement said. ”
However, Will Smith won the first Oscar of his career with "King Richard" will be retained. Ubi Goldberg, one of the trustees of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said this week that while Smith would be penalized, the academy would not strip him of the award he received.
On Friday, Smith responded in a statement: "I accept and respect the College's decision."
Friday's penalty decision also means that at next year's Oscars, the new film star Smith will not be able to present the awards to the queen of the night — a tradition that the Oscars have followed for years. For example, Anthony Hopkins, who won an Oscar for "Father" last year, presented Jessica Chastain with Best Actress at this year's awards.
In recent weeks, Smith has been closely watched for the slap. On the night of the Oscars, Smith apologized to the Oscar organizers in a tearful acceptance speech. The next day, he apologized to Chris Locke in a statement.
In an open letter signed by David Rubin, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and CEO Dawn Hudson, they thanked Locke for staying calm after being slapped.
The open letter reads: "We are deeply grateful to Locke for remaining calm in exceptional circumstances. We would also like to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for the composure and elegance they showed during the livestream. ”
The organizers also apologized for not taking steps to "adequately address the situation at the scene."
It's unclear what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences would do if Smith were nominated for an Oscar or other award.