Will Smith has revealed that he’s resigning from the Academy Of Motion Pictures And Arts after he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, but can the actor still be eligible to win or be nominate for an Oscar in the future?
Can he still win an Oscar in the future even if he’s no longer a member of the Academy? And, will he ever be nominated for an Oscar again?
These are questions that I’m going to try and answer in this article.
But, before we get into that, let’s take a look at Smith’s statement in which he revealed he was resigning from the Academy.
The now-Oscar-winning actor was already facing expulsion from the Academy after an inquiry was launched in regards to the incident on Sunday at the Academy Awards.
What does Will Smith’s resignation from the Academy mean for the actor?
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Smith then released the following statement on Friday (via CBS News):
I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.
I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.
What was the Academy’s response to Smith’s resignation?
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The Academy confirmed the resignation moments after Smith’s statement was released.
David Rubin, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, also issued a statement on Friday in which he stated:
We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.
So, what does all of this mean?
Well, the simple answer to that question is not much.
No longer being a member of the Academy means that Smith can no longer vote on the awards.
However, it does not mean that he cannot be eligible to receive them or be nominated.
So, with that in mind, Smith could technically still be nominated for an Oscar in any category and win it!
However, in practice, this is highly unlikely to happen, at least, not for a few years.
Can Will Smith still win an Oscar in the future?
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Smith’s decision to leave the Academy was his own and was not the governor’s decision.
That final verdict has yet to be revealed.
They could very easily ban Smith from all Academy events in the future.
I suspect they might end up doing something along those lines.
I think they’ll ban from the ceremony for two, maybe three years.
This means that he’s not likely to be nominated for that period of time.
However, technically, as it stands, Will Smith is still eligible for Academy Awards in the future.
What do you make of this news?
Were you shocked by Will Smith’s actions on the night of the 2022 Oscars?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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