Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars? The Academy finally weighs in

Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars? The 94th Academy Awards has passed, but everyone is still completely consumed by this infamous slap. 

Though Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock for his behavior, he still faced repercussions. On Friday, April 8, almost two weeks since the incident, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences released a statement about the actor's future in the organization. 

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Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars?

“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,” President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement.

Although the scandal was meant to be addressed at an April 18 Board of Governors meeting, the Academy sped up the process upon hearing Smith's resignation announcement.

Though it initially seemed like a bit, the slap was very much meant to cause tension. 

Viewers were all stunned and asked, "What happened with Will Smith at the Oscars?" After Chris Rock made a joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia, Smith ventured on stage for the slap before warning the comedian to "keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth."

In his apology on Instagram, Smith wrote: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally."

It appears the admission of guilt came too late—he'll be forced to wait over a decade to partake in some of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Now that the verdict is out, perhaps this is the end of widely-discussed topic. Here's hoping the 95th Annual Academy Awards goes more smoothly.