The 2023 Oscars are set to be a historic event, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Following the recent controversy surrounding Will Smith‘s alleged slap of a Ukrainian reporter at the Moscow premiere of “King Richard,” the Academy has hired a crisis team to help manage the fallout.
This incident has brought the issue of celebrities’ bad behavior to the forefront, and it is not the first time that someone has been banned from the Academy for their actions. Here is a look at some of the other notable individuals who have been banned from the Oscars.
Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski, the director of “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown,” was convicted of statutory rape in 1977 and has been living in exile in Europe ever since. In 2002, he won the Best Director Oscar for “The Pianist,” but he was unable to attend the ceremony due to his legal troubles. In 2018, the Academy expelled Polanski, along with Bill Cosby, in an effort to distance itself from individuals accused of sexual misconduct.
Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, was once a fixture at the Oscars, known for his lavish parties and his ability to win awards for his films. However, in 2017, numerous women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against him. Weinstein was expelled from the Academy in 2017, and his name was removed from the credits of all films he produced.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson, the actor and director, has a history of making controversial statements, including anti-Semitic comments during a DUI arrest in 2006. Despite his past behavior, Gibson was nominated for Best Director in 2017 for his film “Hacksaw Ridge.” However, his nomination was met with criticism, and many people felt that he should not have been given the opportunity to return to the Oscars.
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey, the actor known for his roles in “American Beauty” and “House of Cards,” was accused of sexual misconduct by numerous individuals in 2017. As a result, Spacey was dropped from the Netflix series “House of Cards” and his scenes in the film “All the Money in the World” were reshot with Christopher Plummer. The Academy expelled Spacey in 2018.
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin, the legendary comedian and filmmaker, was banned from the United States in 1952 due to his alleged ties to communism. As a result, he was unable to attend the Academy Awards when he was nominated for Best Original Screenplay in 1948 for his film “Monsieur Verdoux.”
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony may have concluded in April 2021, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is already making headlines again. The latest news involves a recent hiring of a ‘crisis team’ by the Academy after Will Smith’s slap controversy. This incident has raised questions about who else has been banned from the Oscars over the years.
Will Smith’s Slap Controversy
The latest controversy surrounding the Academy was triggered by a viral video showing Will Smith slapping a Ukrainian reporter who tried to kiss him on the lips during the Moscow premiere of his latest movie “Red Notice.” The incident was widely condemned by fans and media alike, and Smith later apologized for his actions.
The Academy has now reportedly hired a “crisis team” to handle the fallout from the incident. While the details of the team’s mandate are unclear, it’s likely that they will help the Academy navigate the media storm and minimize the damage to the brand.
Banned from the Oscars
The controversy around Will Smith’s slap has once again brought the issue of the Academy’s bans into the spotlight. Over the years, several actors, directors, and other industry professionals have been banned from attending or participating in the Oscars. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Roman Polanski: The Oscar-winning director was arrested in 1977 for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. He fled the United States before sentencing and has been living in Europe ever since. In 2018, the Academy expelled Polanski, along with comedian Bill Cosby, in response to the #MeToo movement.
Harvey Weinstein: The former Hollywood mogul was convicted in 2020 of rape and sexual assault. Weinstein had won multiple Oscars over the years, but the Academy expelled him in 2017 after dozens of women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.
Mel Gibson: The actor and director was banned from the Oscars in 2011 after he was caught on tape making anti-Semitic remarks during a drunk driving arrest. Gibson has since apologized for his comments and has been slowly rebuilding his career.
Charlie Chaplin: The legendary actor and director was banned from the United States in 1952 after he was accused of having communist sympathies. He was not allowed to return to the country until 1972, long after his banishment.
Conclusion
The recent hiring of a ‘crisis team’ by the Academy following Will Smith’s slap controversy highlights the importance of reputation management in the entertainment industry. The Academy has a long history of banning industry professionals who have engaged in controversial or illegal behavior, and the bans have often been controversial themselves.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s likely that the Academy will face more challenges in the years to come. The question of who is allowed to participate in the Oscars and who is not is an important one, and the Academy will need to navigate these issues carefully to maintain its relevance and credibility.