Friday, April 01, 2022

Will Smith Resigns From The Academy


Will Smith submits his resignation to The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences less than a week after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, and slapping Chris Rock during the live broadcast...

Will writes, 
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.
Smith's resignation means he no longer has an Oscar vote, he can't participate in any Academy events and he will not present The Best Actress award next year, as is customary for the previous year's Best Actor winner.

The Academy’s board will again meet on April 15 to determine additional consequences as part of the formal review process.