Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, told the assembled nominees at Monday’s annual Oscar nominees’ luncheon that the organization’s response to Will Smith’s slap in the face at last year’s Oscars was inadequate.
Yang made the comments during the opening remarks at the event this afternoon at the Beverly Hilton.
“I’m sure you all remember that we saw an unprecedented event at the Oscars,” she told the group. “What happened on stage was totally unacceptable and the response from our organization was inadequate. From this we have learned that the Academy must be fully transparent and accountable for our actions and that you must act quickly, compassionately and decisively for us and our industry, especially in times of crisis. You cannot and should not expect less from us in the future.”
The Oscars aired on March 27. The academy’s board of directors voted on April 8 to grant Smith a 10-year ban from attending the Oscars — and had to muster that vote after Smith voluntarily resigned from the organization the week before.
“The Board has determined that for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith will not participate in person or virtually at any Academy events or programs, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” then – AMPAS -President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson spoke of Smith’s “unacceptable and harmful behavior” at the time.
They added: “We also hope that this can begin a period of healing and recovery for all involved and affected.”
Tonight’s luncheon drew the majority of this year’s Oscar nominees, including Steven Spielberg, Roger Deakins, Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Michelle Williams, Sarah Polley, Rian Johnson, Mary Zophres, Diane Warren, Brendan Fraser, Hong Chau and Austin Butler Paul Mescal.
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
