Oscars 2026: Here is why Will Smith, Harvey Weinstein and four others are banned from tonight's ceremony

As Hollywood prepares for the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, six people from the entertainment industry will be notably absent from the guest list, having been banned from the prestigious ceremony following serious controversies, according to People magazine.

The list, which includes actors, filmmakers and other industry figures, reflects the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' increasingly strict stance on conduct, with expulsions ranging from copyright violations to sexual assault convictions.

Will Smith

The most recent and widely publicised case is that of actor Will Smith, who was banned for ten years after walking on stage during the 2022 Academy Awards and slapping comedian Chris Rock, who had made a joke about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith. The Academy announced the ban nearly two weeks after the incident. "I accept and respect the Academy's decision," Smith said in response.

Harvey Weinstein

Film producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled in 2017 after more than 80 women accused him of sexual assault. The Academy strongly condemned his conduct and removed him from the organisation. Weinstein was subsequently found guilty in court in separate cases and received prison sentences.

Bill Cosby

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby was removed in 2018, shortly after he was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in a 2004 case. Although his conviction was later overturned in 2021, the Academy had already expelled him based on its standards of conduct.

Roman Polanski

Director Roman Polanski was also expelled in 2018. Polanski had pleaded guilty in 1977 to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, served time in jail, and subsequently left the United States before completing his sentence, living in Europe ever since.

Adam Kimmel

Cinematographer Adam Kimmel was expelled in 2021 after reports revealed past convictions related to sexual offences involving minors. The Academy said its membership system depends on honesty from members and sponsors about such information.

Carmine Caridi

One of the earliest expulsions was that of actor Carmine Caridi, who was removed in 2004 after he was found sharing Oscar movie screeners sent to members for voting purposes, which were later copied and circulated illegally. Caridi admitted to violating the rules and said he did not blame the Academy for its decision. He died on May 28, 2019, at the age of 85 in Los Angeles following complications after a fall.

(With inputs from ANI)