Did you know? Will Smith and five other celebrities still banned from the Oscars; Read to know more

Know all celebs banned at Oscars

• Six celebrities remain banned from attending the Oscars in 2026
• Academy expelled members for piracy, assault, and misconduct
• Will Smith banned for 10 years after slapping Chris Rock in 2022

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The Academy Awards are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious nights in global cinema, bringing together the biggest names in the film industry to celebrate outstanding achievements on screen and behind the scenes.

Yet, despite the glamour and celebration associated with the ceremony, the organisation behind it — the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — has not hesitated to take strict action when members violate its standards of conduct.

As the 98th Academy Awards take place on 15 March 2026, six well-known personalities remain banned from the ceremony, reflecting the Academy’s effort to hold members accountable for their actions.

As we approach the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, there are six notable people still banned from attending the Oscar ceremony.

Carmine Caridi

One of the earliest such cases involved actor Carmine Caridi. In 2004, the Academy expelled him after discovering that Oscar screeners — special copies of nominated films sent to members for voting — had been shared with others and eventually circulated illegally.

The copied screeners later appeared in piracy networks. Carmine Caridi later acknowledged the violation and said he did not blame the Academy for its decision. The actor passed away on 28 May 2019 in Los Angeles at the age of 85.

Harvey Weinstein

Film producer Harvey Weinstein was removed from the Academy in 2017 after more than 80 women accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The allegations became a turning point for the entertainment industry and played a major role in sparking the #MeToo movement.

The Academy strongly condemned his behaviour and expelled him from the organisation. Harvey Weinstein was later convicted in court in many separate cases and was sentenced to prison.

Bill Cosby

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby was expelled in 2018 after he was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in a 2004 case.

Although the conviction was overturned in 2021 due to legal technicalities, the Academy had already taken action based on its code of conduct.

Roman Polanski

That same year, filmmaker Roman Polanski was also expelled. Roman Polanski had pleaded guilty in 1977 to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. After serving a short time in jail, he left the United States before completing his sentence and has since lived in Europe.

Adam Kimmel

Cinematographer Adam Kimmel faced a similar fate in 2021. The Academy expelled him after reports revealed past convictions related to sexual offences involving minors, stating that honesty and integrity are essential to maintaining trust within the organisation.

Will Smith

The most recent person to face a ban is actor Will Smith. During the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, Will Smith walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Nearly two weeks later, the Academy announced that Will Smith would not be allowed to attend the Oscars or any Academy events for ten years. Responding to the decision, Will Smith mentioned, "I accept and respect the Academy's decision."

Also Read: Oscars 2026: When and where to watch the 98th Academy Awards in India

These incidents clearly show that while the Oscars also celebrate cinematic excellence, the Academy also expects its members to uphold strong ethical standards both within and beyond the film industry.