List of Individuals Banned from the Oscars by the Academy and Their Reasons

Warning: This article addresses sensitive subjects, including child abuse and sexual assault.

Key Figures Banned from the Oscars: A Historic Overview

The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, have been a prestigious event celebrating excellence in cinema since 1929. While many have been honored on this grand stage, a select few have faced bans from attending or participating in the event. This piece examines notable individuals banned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to various controversies and actions.

The Long-Standing Tradition of the Oscars

Each year, anticipation builds among film enthusiasts and critics alike, who speculate on which movies will emerge victorious at the Academy Awards. Predictions for the 2025 Oscars began swiftly after the conclusion of the 2024 ceremony. Over the years, the Academy has only taken the step to exclude a handful of prominent figures, mainly due to serious allegations or misconduct during the ceremony.

Temporary Bans vs. Permanent Expulsions

The Academy distinguishes between temporary bans and permanent expulsions. Temporary bans allow individuals to return after a designated period, while expulsions involve a complete removal from the Academy’s involvement.

Notable Individual	Year of Ban
Richard Gere	1993
Carmine Caridi	2004
Bill Cosby	2018
Roman Polanski	2018
Harvey Weinstein	2017
Adam Kimmel	2021
Will Smith	2022

Richard Gere: A Two-Decade Ban

Details of the 1993 Incident

Renowned actor Richard Gere faced a 20-year ban from the Academy after he used his platform during the presentation of the Best Art Direction award in 1993 to advocate for Tibetan freedom. In a bold statement, Gere criticized Chinese leadership, particularly Deng Xiaoping, urging for the liberation of Tibetans. Despite his impactful career, he has never received an Oscar nomination.

The Academy deemed Gere’s speech unacceptable, leading to his extended absence from future ceremonies; nevertheless, he attended the 2003 ceremony as a guest. His ban was formally lifted in 2013, allowing him to re-engage with the Oscars.

Carmine Caridi: Expelled for Leaks

2004 Expulsion Details

Carmine Caridi made history as the first individual expelled from the Academy in 2004 due to illegal distribution of Oscar-nominated films. He was implicated in a scandal involving pirated copies of titles such as Mystic River and Big Fish. Although not nominated for an Oscar, his voting privileges as a member were revoked after the FBI discovered his actions.

Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski: Permanent Expulsions

Expulsions in 2018

Bill Cosby, a celebrated comedian and actor, was expelled from the Academy in 2018 following numerous sexual assault allegations. His work within the Academy ended permanently as he was found to have violated their code of conduct.

Similarly, filmmaker Roman Polanski was also expelled in 2018. His previous legal troubles dated back to 1978, when he fled the U.S. after pleading guilty to sexual offenses involving a minor. Despite his prolific career and multiple nominations, Polanski remained a controversial figure throughout his time.

Harvey Weinstein: A Fall from Grace

2017 Expulsion Details

In 2017, producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled after being accused by numerous women of sexual misconduct and assault. His significant influence in Hollywood was overshadowed by these allegations, leading to a complete severance from the Academy.

Other Recent Expulsions: Adam Kimmel and Will Smith

Details of Recent Bans

Adam Kimmel, a cinematographer, was expelled in 2021 after revelations surfaced regarding his status as a registered sex offender. His history of offenses, which went unnoticed for years, raised serious questions about the Academy’s vetting process.

Will Smith’s infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock, led to a 10-year ban from attending the prestigious event. The slap overshadowed Smith’s first Oscar win for King Richard, marking a significant moment in the history of the Academy.

The Broader Context: Bans in Other Award Shows

Instances of Celebrity Bans Across Awards

Banning is not unique to the Oscars. Other major awards bodies have also enacted bans on performers. For instance, Janet Jackson faced disinvitation from the Grammys following a Super Bowl incident, and Kanye West was barred from performing at the 2022 Grammys due to troubling online behavior. Additionally, country artist Morgan Wallen faced bans from various award shows due to racially insensitive remarks.

While the Oscars have the most notable public records of bans, the landscape of award shows reflects a growing willingness to address behaviors that contradict the values upheld by these prestigious organizations.

This examination of those banned from the Oscars serves as a reminder of the responsibility carried by members within the film industry and the standards expected in their conduct.