Oscar 2024: These are the actors who have been vetoed by the Academy
The case of Will Smith is only the most recent event, but it is not the only one, throughout history there have been several
The scandal at the 2022 Oscars , with Will Smith’s unexpected slap at comedian Chris Rock in the middle of the gala, has not only left an indelible mark on the collective memory, but has also led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to take drastic measures.
Smith’s exclusion from any event organized by the Academy for a decade is a clear sign that the institution takes its code of conduct very seriously.
However, Will Smith’s case is not unique in the history of the awards. Over the years, several actors have been banned by The Academy due to behavior that goes against its founding principles and, in some cases, the law itself.
One of the first to be expelled from the Academy was Carmine Caridi, recognized for his roles in films such as “The Godfather II and III.” His expulsion came when it was discovered that he had illegally shared copies of Oscar- nominated films, infringing copyright and damaging the integrity of the institution.
Another emblematic case is that of Bill Cosby, once considered an influential figure in the entertainment industry for his role in “The Cosby Show”; However, numerous sexual assault allegations against him led to his ouster in 2018, amid the #MeToo movement. Although the Academy has no legal authority over him, this action symbolized their public condemnation of his actions.
Roman Polanski, director who won the Best Director Award in 2003 for “The Pianist,” was ousted in the same year as Cosby. Polanski pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in 1977, but fled the country before being sentenced. Despite living primarily in Europe and avoiding extradition to the United States, he continues to be the subject of controversy and criticism.
Harvey Weinstein, although not an actor but an influential Hollywood producer, was ousted in 2017 following revelations of multiple allegations of sexual assault, harassment and rape. The allegations against Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement and changed the conversation in the entertainment industry about abuse of power and inappropriate behavior.
These cases show that the Academy does not tolerate behavior that goes against its values and ethical principles. Beyond on-screen brilliance, actors are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and those who fail to meet standards of integrity and respect face severe consequences.
The expulsion from the Academy not only affects the reputation of the individuals, but also sends a clear message about the importance of responsibility and ethics in the film industry.
