Oscars 2026: High-profile actors and filmmakers banned or expelled from the world’s biggest film awards

As the film industry gathers for the Academy Awards, the spotlight once again turns to Hollywood’s biggest night. Held at the iconic Dolby Theatre, the 98th Oscars will celebrate outstanding achievements in cinema.

Yet alongside the glamour, the ceremony also reflects the evolving standards of conduct enforced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body that oversees the awards.

Over the years, the Academy has taken rare but decisive disciplinary action against several prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Some were banned from attending Academy events, while others were expelled from membership altogether after violating the organization’s code of conduct.

Will Smith: 10-year ban after the 2022 Oscars incident

Among the most widely publicized disciplinary actions was one against actor Will Smith following the shocking moment at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. During the live broadcast, Smith walked onto the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock after a joke directed at Smith’s wife.

The incident stunned viewers worldwide and quickly became one of the most controversial moments in Oscars history. Shortly afterward, the Academy announced a 10-year ban preventing Smith from attending Academy events, including the Oscars ceremony. While Smith resigned from the Academy, the ban allows him to remain eligible for future nominations and awards.

Harvey Weinstein: Expelled amid the #MeToo reckoning

Former film producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled from the Academy in 2017 after dozens of women accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The decision marked a turning point for Hollywood institutions as the allegations against Weinstein helped ignite the global #MeToo movement.

The Academy’s move was seen as a signal that the organization was prepared to hold even its most influential members accountable for misconduct.

Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski: Expulsions Over Criminal Convictions

In 2018, the Academy expelled two high-profile members in a move that underscored its strengthened ethical standards.

Comedian and actor Bill Cosby was removed from the organization after his conviction for sexual assault. The same day, the Academy also expelled filmmaker Roman Polanski, who had long been controversial due to his 1977 conviction for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Both expulsions came as the Academy adopted stricter expectations for professional and personal conduct among its members.

Carmine Caridi: Expelled for Piracy

Actor Carmine Caridi became the first Academy member ever expelled when he was removed in 2004. The Academy found that Caridi had distributed DVD screeners of Oscar-nominated films, which were later traced to widespread online piracy networks. The incident prompted the organization to tighten security measures around awards-season screeners.

Adam Kimmel: Expelled over sex offender registration

Adam Kimmel was expelled from the Academy after it emerged that he had failed to register as a sex offender following a criminal conviction. The case highlighted the Academy’s commitment to enforcing ethical conduct among its members beyond professional activities.

Following the 2022 Oscars controversy, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reaffirmed its Standards of Conduct, which require members to behave in ways that uphold the institution’s reputation. The guidelines condemn “physical contact that is uninvited and inappropriate” and state that members must act consistently with the Academy’s values.

If a member is found to have violated these standards, the organization may impose disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to permanent expulsion.

Despite occasional controversy, the Academy Awards remain the most prestigious event in the global film industry, recognizing excellence in acting, directing, writing, and technical artistry.