Will Smith is the proud owner of one Oscar – or Academy Award to give it its official title. But he’s actually been nominated for Best Actor another two times.
And of course, his victory in 2022 for King Richard – also nominated for Best Picture – was pretty controversial.
Will was honored for his role as Richard Williams (father and coach to tennis legends Venus and Serena), and he won the award.
The sisters were even executive producers of the biographical film, which was hailed by the American Film Institute (NFI) and National Board of Review as one of the best films of the year.
But controversially, on the night of the 94th Academy Awards, Will was announced as the winner not long after he’d stormed the stage to slap comedian Chris Rock across the face after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
She suffers from alopecia.
Many people felt he should be stripped of the award for his actions.
Is Will Smith now without an Oscar?
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences ruled it would allow Will to keep his award despite his actions.
However, there were also other long-lasting consequences.
Will Smith expelled from the Oscars?
Will was then banned for 10 years from Academy events and the Oscars.
In a statement, the Academy stated that the ceremony was a success. “overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage”.
The letter stated: “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 also stated “deep gratitude”Chris in its letter “maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances”.
It thanked it as well “our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast”.
The letter also contained the following: “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.
“We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
What has Will Smith to say?
Will apologized publicly and resigned as an Academy employee after the incident.
He stated in an Instagram statement that “violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive”As he spoke out about what had happened.
He said the following when he announced his resignation: “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.
“So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
Will later uploaded a video in the which he stated that he was answering the question. “fair”People have asked the same questions.
The actor also said at the time he had reached out to Chris to apologize and that the Madagascar star had told him he wasn’t ready to speak to him.
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