Film Academy Raises Meeting to Address Possible Will Smith Sanctions After Oscar Slap

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Wednesday that Chris Rock, who appeared at the Oscars ceremony last month, is now holding its annual meeting for 10 days to resolve potential sanctions against Will Smith more quickly after he was inappropriately insulted on-air.

AMPAS President David Rubin wrote in a letter to the Board of Governors that the meeting scheduled for April 18 will now take place on April 8 at 9 a.m. PT.

“April 18 has been set in compliance with California law and our standards of conduct because our agenda includes the possible suspension or expulsion of Mr. Smith,” Rubin said (see full letter below). “Mr. We request that Smith be notified 15 days before the Board meeting that such action may be taken and that he be given the opportunity to make a written statement to the Board at least five days prior to that meeting.” .

Smith dropped out of the academy following an incident that occurred after The Rock made an on-stage joke about Jada Pinkett Smith on March 27, before being nominated for an Oscar documentary on CBS. Smith got up from the front row seat, walked over to Rock and patted his outstretched hand, then returned to his seat.

Smith stayed in the room and later won Best Actor for his role. king richard.

Following the brutal incident, the academy issued a statement that night stating that it “did not condone any form of violence.” Smith apologized for his actions, though not to Rock. On March 29, there was a brief virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin, and Academy CEO Don Hudson, initiated by Smith.

It is not clear what sanctions are, Smith has already resigned.

variation Information about the first meeting was announced today.

Here is the letter:

Dear Governors,

Instead of the scheduled April 18 meeting, I’m calling a board meeting on Friday, April 8, at 9:00 PT, to discuss possible sanctions in response to Will Smith’s actions during his Oscar nomination in March. 27.

April 18 was determined by California law and our standards of conduct because our agenda was to remove or unsubscribe Mr. Smith. We were required to notify Mr. Smith that such action could be taken 15 days prior to the Board meeting, and also to give the opportunity to make a written statement to the Board at least five days prior to that meeting.

On Friday, April 1, after leaving Mr. Smith Academy membership, suspension or expulsion is no longer possible and the legal timeline no longer applies.

It is in everyone’s interest to process this in a timely manner.

Thank you for hosting the meeting at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) on a Friday morning. Scale details will be available soon.

david