- Several celebrities faced bans due to misconduct.
- Actions ranged from advocacy to criminal charges.
- The film academy meted out the consequences.
The 96th Academy Awards occurred on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The prestigious event saw several show business stars honored for their outstanding work on films released in 2023.
“Oppenheimer,” a film by Christopher Nolan, dominated the award ceremony. The lead star in the movie, Cillian Murphy, won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, while co-star Robert Downey Jr. scooped the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the event.
Among the winners was Emma Stone, who bagged an award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her stint on “Poor Things,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph who walked away with Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “The Holdovers.”
Robert Downey Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Emma Stone, and Cillian Murphy pictured onstage in the press room at the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
While The Academy recognizes talent from showbiz stars, it has also had to cut ties with some renowned figures in the entertainment industry. Hollywood’s elite isn’t immune to controversy, and the Oscars have seen their fair share.
Over the years, misconduct ranging from criminal charges to unauthorized advocacy has led to notable figures being banned from the Academy Awards. The reasons vary widely, from the distribution of pirated material to taking a stand on human rights, showcasing a spectrum of actions and consequences within the film industry. Here are the stars who have not been exempt from being banned by the organization.
Carmine Caridi’s Screeners Scandal
Carmine Caridi, an actor known for his roles in “The Godfather” trilogy, found himself at the center of a piracy scandal. By lending screeners — distributed for Oscar consideration — to a notorious movie pirate, Caridi breached an agreement with the MPAA.
Carmine Caridi at The Hollywood Show at Westin LAX Hotel on October 18, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Carmine Caridi attends the “Unorganized Crime” screening at Charlie Chaplin Theatre on December 18, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his intentions, this violation led to his expulsion from the Academy in January 2004, marking him as the first member to be ousted for such an offense. Caridi summed up the experience by expressing regret, saying he was doing someone a favor but the man in question betrayed him.
Will Smith’s Oscar Night Outburst
In March 2022, Will Smith slapped and screamed profanities at Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. The physical assault occurred after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada-Pinkett Smith, for being bald.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The comedian reportedly went off-script during the ceremony not knowing that the actress has alopecia. Later that evening, the “Bad Boys” star was awarded an Oscar for Best Actor and remained at the event until it was over.
Will Smith onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Bradley Cooper comforts Will Smith during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 27, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
However, that night, he skipped the Academy’s Governor’s Ball and attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party. Despite retaining his Oscar and remaining eligible for future nominations, Smith’s actions violated conduct standards.
In the wake of the much-publicized controversy, the superstar announced his resignation from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts of Sciences. He released a statement, saying, “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. […] “I betrayed the trust of the Academy.”
Will Smith onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actor and producer later shared another statement concerning what transpired on his Instagram where he admitted that he reacted emotionally. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith stated before issuing a public apology to Rock.
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” he expressed. Twelve days after a shocking incident, the Academy banned Smith for ten years.
Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski: Expulsions Rooted in Sexual Misconduct
In 2018, Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski were expelled from the Academy amid sexual misconduct allegations and convictions, highlighting the industry’s stand against ethical breaches.
Bill Cosby at the Montgomery County Courthouse on May 24, 2016, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. | Source: Getty Images
Bill Cosby speaks to reporters outside of his home on June 30, 2021 in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. | Source: Getty Images
Bill Cosby arrives at the Montgomery County Courthouse on September 24, 2018 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. | Source: Getty Images
Both men were reportedly accused of sexual misconduct by several people. As a result, Cosby was convicted on three counts of aggravated assault. Amid the news, The Academy issued a statement announcing that the Board of Governors voted to expel the public figures “in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct.”
Roman Polanski during a press conference at the Bonarowski Palace Hotel on October 30, 2015 in Krakow, Poland. | Source: Getty Images
Roman Polanski receives his Oscar from Harrison Ford for the movie “The Pianist” during the 2003 Deauville Film Festival on September 7, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Roman Polanski attends the “Based On A True Story” photocall during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 27, 2017 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
The Academy emphasized, “The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”
Adam Kimmel’s Downfall
Cinematographer Adam Kimmel, once celebrated for his work, faced also expulsion after it was revealed he was a registered sex offender. He was arrested and charged twice for sexual crimes involving underage girls in 2003 and 2010.
For the initial crime, Kimmel, who is also an actor, pleaded guilty to rape in the third degree in February 2004. However, following his conviction, he continued working in show business as his crime was not yet public knowledge.
(L) Adam Kimmel,Craig Gillespie and Bennett Miller attend the “Lars and the Real Girl” premiere after party at The Brasserie 8 1/2 on October 3, 2007 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his impressive career, Kimmel’s past crimes against underage girls came to light, leading to his removal from both the Academy and the American Society of Cinematographers.
Harvey Weinstein: The Fall of a Hollywood Titan
Similarly to his entertainment industry counterparts, Harvey Weinstein also found himself on the wrong side of the law. He was convicted on two counts of sexual assault.
Harvey Weinstein during a photocall as he attends the De Grisogono party at the Cap-Eden-Roc hotel in Antibes on on May 23, 2017 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
The showbiz titan was handed a 20-year sentence for a first-degree criminal sex act after forcing a production assistant to perform oral sex in 2006. Weinstein was also given a three-year sentence for a third-degree rape.
Weinstein’s sentencing to 23 years in prison for sexual assault marked a significant moment in Hollywood’s #MeToo movement. After his criminal behavior made headlines, the writer shared a statement expressing remorse for what he had done and revealed he would be going to therapy to become a better individual.
Harvey Weinstein appears in court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on October 4, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Weinstein’s expulsion from the Academy signified a collective industry effort to address sexual predatory behavior. The organization said in a statement that the act of removing Weinstein from the membership was intended “not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message that the era of willful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behavior and workplace harassment in our industry is over.”
Harvey Weinstein leaves from the court on January 6, 2020 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The once-glorified film producer who has won several awards and has one Oscar Award under his belt, was found guilty of allegedly sexually harassing or abusing a dozen women.
Aside from being a disgraced showbiz powerhouse, the once-prominent figure thanked in numerous Oscar speeches, was admired by many people who personally praised him through the years during award ceremonies.
From (L-R) David Parfitt, Donna Gigliotti, Harvey Weinstein, Gwyneth Paltrow, Edward Zwick, and Mark Norman pose in the pressroom at the 71st Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1999 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Heidi Klum, Harvey Weinstein, Uma Thurman and Desiree Gruber attend The Weinstein Company & Netflix’s 2014 Golden Globes after party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere’s Advocacy Ban
In 1993, Richard Gere used his Oscar presentation speech to advocate for human rights in China, diverging from the script to address a global audience. In his speech, he mentioned that the award show was being watched by 1 billion people worldwide. Knowing this, he wondered whether China was one of the countries that was watching the ceremony that day.
Richard Gere during 65th Annual Academy Awards at Shrine Auditorium on March 29, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: YouTube/TheAcademy
“And the first thought that came to me was, I wondered if Deng Xiaoping is actually watching this right now, with his children and his grandchildren, and with the knowledge that—that—that—what a horrendous, horrendous human rights situation there is in China, not only towards their own people but to Tibet as well,” said Gere.
Richard Gere during 65th Annual Academy Awards at Shrine Auditorium on March 29, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in a scene in the film “Pretty Woman,” 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere and Indian monks during a demonstration of butter sculptures held at the American Museum of Natural History on February 24, 1989 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The film star expressed that he wished Xiaoping could take his troops and the Chinese people away from Tibet so they could allow others to live freely and independently. This act led to a longstanding, though unofficial, ban from the Oscars.
Richard Gere and the 14th Dalai Lama on January 1, 1987 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Decades later, the actor and humanitarian reflected on the episode, hinting at a change in perspective. “Apparently, I’ve been rehabilitated. It seems if you stay around long enough, they forget they’ve banned you,” said Gere.
Richard Gere attends a photocall for “Franny” at La Casa Del Cinema on December 14, 2015 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
Richard Gere and Dalai Lama during a long life prayer at a temple on October 25, 2023 in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. | Source: Getty Images
Paul Epworth, Adele and Richard Gere pose in the press room during the Oscars at the Loews Hollywood Hotel on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.| Source: Getty Images
The stories of these celebrities highlight not only personal missteps but also the evolving landscape of accountability in Hollywood. Even some of Hollywood’s brightest stars regardless of their status, are above ethical scrutiny or beyond the possibility of redemption.