Not Only Was Will Smith Banned From Attending The Oscars For 10 Years, Will Smith Was Also Advised To Return The Trophy

Will Smith and Jada (Photo: Reuters via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Board of Governors of The Academy Committee has sentenced Will Smith to 10 years not attending the Oscars after slapping Chris Rock. Not limited to the announcement of the nominations and the peak night of the Academy Awards, Jada Pinkett Smith's husband was also prohibited from attending derivative programs that involved invitations both online and offline.

"We have decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr Smith is not permitted to attend any Academy event or program, whether live or virtual, not limited to the Academy Awards," said The Academy President, David Rubin, and CEO of The Academy, Dawn Hudson, cited from The Hollywood Reporter, April 8.

On that occasion, The Academy Committee apologized to the public for missing out on the highlight of the 2022 Oscars, which was broadcast live worldwide.

The decision will take effect from April 8, 2022 until 2032. Responding to the decision from the Academy, Will Smith has also stated that he accepts and agrees to it.

But, according to actor Harry Lennix the punishment is still lacking. He suggested that Will Smith should return the Oscar he won at the event.

"At this point, the only person who can atone for Oscar's integrity is Smith himself," Lennix said in a statement.

"Smith needs to send his gold trophy back to the Academy and publicly declare 'In honor of the 94 years of honor given to this award, I don't feel worthy to be its keeper'," he continued.

The incident of Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock on the Oscars stage ruined the entire awards night.

“Stains on the Motion Picture Academy cannot be easily repaired. The only hope for a justifiable award must involve Smith voluntarily returning his award for best actor," Lennix wrote.