The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hosts the Oscars, has a strict code of conduct that it enforces by banning those who violate it from attending any Academy-related events. Over the years, several celebrities have been banned from the Oscars for various reasons. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most notable celebrities who have been banned from the Oscars.
1. Will Smith
Will Smith was banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years after he disrupted the 94th Oscars by slapping Chris Rock on stage. Smith took offense to a joke that Rock made about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith and walked up on stage to hit the comedian across the face. Despite his ban, Smith remains eligible for nomination at the Oscars.
2. Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton was reportedly banned from attending the Oscars since 2008. She was devastated when she found out about the ban and cried a lot. Hilton hoped to be taken seriously as an actress and wanted to network with film blogs. She even spent $2 million on a dress for the ceremony before she heard about her ban.
3. Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey was accused by more than 30 individuals of making unwanted advances towards younger men in 2017. Anthony Rapp alleged that Spacey had made unwanted advances towards him when he was only 14 years old. Since then, more than 30 people have come forward with their own allegations against Spacey. Due to the allegations, Spacey was banned from attending any Academy Awards.
4. Adam Kimmel
Adam Kimmel, a cinematographer known for his work on Lars and the Real Girl and Capote, was expelled from the Academy in 2021 following allegations of misconduct with women. Kimmel had been arrested twice, both times for allegations involving a younger female. Due to the hurt inflicted on a handful of younger women, the Academy saw fit to expel Kimmel and permanently ban him from attending any Academy Awards.
5. Kevin Hart
Comedian Kevin Hart stepped down from hosting the 2019 Academy Awards after old homophobic tweets resurfaced. Hart’s anti-gay ideology wasn’t exactly a secret before, as he devoted part of his 2010 stand-up special to describing his intention to prevent his son from turning out to be gay. After initially refusing to apologize, Hart made a formal apology to the LGBTQ community.
6. Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski was expelled from the Academy under its new code of conduct, but many considered this a hollow gesture, considering his membership had continued for years despite allegations of sexual assault against him. In 1977, Polanski fled to France after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor. Despite that, he has still been nominated for Oscars multiple times, even winning Best Director for The Pianist in 2003.
7. Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby was expelled from the Academy in 2018 after being convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand. He served three years of a 10-year sentence before his conviction was overturned by Pennsylvania’s highest court.
8. Harvey Weinstein
Harvey Weinstein, who many credit with permanently transforming the Oscar race with his mercenary campaigning, was expelled in 2017 after a litany of sexual assault allegations against him came to light. The Academy condemned Weinstein, calling his actions “repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the academy and the creative community it represents.” Weinstein still has his Oscars, which he received for producing Best Picture winners.
In conclusion, while some may view the Oscars as a popularity contest, the Academy takes its code of conduct seriously and has banned several celebrities over the years for violating it. These bans serve as a reminder that no one is above the law and that actions have consequences.