According to the HollywoodReporter:
On Friday, the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held a special meeting during which it decided to ban Will Smith — who slapped and yelled profanities at Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards on March 27 — from returning to the Oscars or attending any other Academy events for the next 10 years.
Since then, a wide cross-section of Academy members have shared with The Hollywood Reporter their thoughts about the board’s response. (Some members spoke only on condition of anonymity.)
Carol Connors, music branch: “He’s not going to be able to present next year, and I think hurray for that. I don’t think he should be allowed on the Academy stage. What he did on the world stage was unacceptable. Ten years is an important round number. I don’t think it should have been one year or five years. Ten is appropriate. But I’m glad he will not present next year, after what he did. What if Chris would have fallen down and hit his head? The one guy is what, 140 pounds soaking wet, and the other guy played Muhammad Ali. Can you imagine what must have gone through Chris’ mind at that moment? And I think he handled it with great dignity.”
Stephen Potter, sound branch: “I have to say I’m surprised at the Academy’s formal response of a 10-year ban on Mr. Smith, which is harsher than I imagined it would be. Ten years is quite a long time and it’s possible this incident will mostly be forgotten before this term concludes. I think the Academy could have responded more quickly, but by waiting it suggests they carefully weighed their options. Mr. Rock maintained composure under very unexpected circumstances, and I applaud him for averting what could have been a total disaster. I believe Mr. Smith’s reaction was fueled by Ms. Pinkett Smith’s glaring look, and it’s unfortunate he chose to react as he did. The opinions are split between those who do and don’t support Mr. Smith’s actions, but the fact remains this incident was very unfortunate on many levels.”
Larry Gleason, executives branch: “The Academy dropped the ball by not taking action when it happened. This after-the-fact punishment is like the old saying, “Closing the barn door…” Too late and too little. After the La La Land fiasco, you would have thought they would have handled it better. Sad event for all concerned.”
