Oscars 2026: Here is why Will Smith, Harvey Weinstein and four others are banned from tonight’s ceremony
The list, which includes actors, filmmakers and others in the industry, reflects the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ increasingly tough stance on conduct, with expulsions ranging from copyright violations to sexual assault convictions.
Will Smith
The most recent and widely publicized case is that of actor Will Smith, who was banned for a decade after appearing on stage during the 2022 Academy Awards and slapping comedian Chris Rock, who joked about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The academy announced the ban about two weeks after the incident. “I accept and respect the academy’s decision,” Smith said in response.
Harvey Weinstein
Film producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled from school in 2017 after more than 80 women accused him of sexual assault. The academy strongly condemned his behavior and suspended him from the organization. Weinstein was later convicted in court in separate cases and sentenced to prison.
Bill Cosby
Actor and comedian Bill Cosby was fired in 2018 shortly after being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in a 2004 trial. Although his conviction was later overturned in 2021, the Academy had already expelled him based on its standards of conduct.
Roman Polanski
Director Roman Polanski was also expelled in 2018. Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in 1977, served time in prison, and then left the United States before completing his sentence and had been living in Europe ever since.
Adam Kimmel
Cinematographer Adam Kimmel was deported in 2021 after reports revealed past convictions for sexual crimes involving minors. The academy said its membership system depends on members and sponsors being honest about such information.
Carmine Caridi
One of the first expulsions was the expulsion of actor Carmine Caridi in 2004, after he was found sharing Oscar film screenings sent to members for voting purposes, which were later copied and distributed illegally. Caridi admitted that he had violated the rules and said that he did not blame the Academy for its decision. He died in Los Angeles on May 28, 2019, at the age of 85, due to complications after a fall.
(With inputs from ANI)
