Will Smith given 10-year Oscars ban

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 8 2022 | 20:17

Last updated: April 9 2022 | 01:37

Will Smith is banned from the Oscars for a decade after he struck Chris Rock on stage last month.

Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade following his assault of Chris Rock at this year's ceremony.

In shock scenes, Smith stormed the stage and struck Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaven head.

The 53-year-old then bizarrely went on to win the prestigious Best Actor award for his role in King Richard - and the next day he issued a public apology to Rock for what happened.

Last week Smith announced that he had resigned from his membership of the Academy and today, the board of the organisation met virtually to discuss further sanctions against him.

In a statement, they said: "'During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short - unprepared for the unprecedented.

"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.

"We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast."

The news means that Smith will next be eligible to attend the Academy Awards in 2033, although the statement suggests that he may still be able to be nominated - and win - awards in the meantime.