The 97th Academy Awards showcased Hollywood’s glamour and talent, but some familiar faces were notably absent. Will Smith, banned for 10 years after slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 ceremony, has been excluded from all Oscars-related events. Roman Polanski, expelled in 2018 for fleeing the US after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, also remains banned. Bill Cosby, convicted of sexual assault in 2018, has been expelled for his criminal behavior spanning decades. Harvey Weinstein, facing numerous sexual assault allegations, was swiftly banned by the Academy in 2017. Richard Gere, banned for 20 years after denouncing human rights abuses in Tibet at the 1993 Oscars, was eventually invited back in 2013. While these figures may not be part of the Oscars this year, their stories continue to shape the Academy’s controversial legacy. Smith’s ban came after his infamous on-stage altercation, Polanski’s criminal actions overshadow his success, Cosby’s fall from grace was necessary for the Academy, Weinstein’s misconduct led to his expulsion, and Gere’s political activism resulted in a temporary exclusion. Despite their absence, their impact on the industry remains undeniable, serving as a reminder that even the brightest stars can face consequences for their actions.
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