The Only Six Individuals Permanently or Temporarily Banned from the Oscars

From Will Smith to Harvey Weinstein, only six individuals have been officially banned or expelled by the Academy. Discover the reasons behind these historic exiles.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 7:07 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

The Standards of Conduct and the Will Smith Precedent

In the lead-up to the 2026 Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) continues to enforce its rigorous Standards of Conduct, a framework significantly highlighted following the 2022 ceremony. Will Smith remains the most recent addition to this list after the infamous "slap" involving Chris Rock. Unlike several others on the list who faced permanent expulsion, Smith was issued a 10-year ban from all Academy events and programs. This disciplinary measure is set to expire in 2032, marking a temporary rather than permanent removal from the organization’s prestigious functions.

Expulsions for Criminal Convictions and Sexual Misconduct

The majority of the Academy's bans are rooted in serious criminal conduct, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Harvey Weinstein became the second member ever expelled in 2017 after more than 80 women accused him of sexual assault. Similarly, the Academy moved to expel Bill Cosby in 2018 and director Roman Polanski, citing the need to uphold "human dignity." Cinematographer Adam Kimmel was also removed in 2021 after his history as a registered sex offender was brought to light, demonstrating the Academy's shift toward vetting members based on broader ethical and legal standards.

TRANSFORMATIVE ANALYSIS: The Evolution of Hollywood’s Ethical Gatekeeping

The history of Oscar bans reveals a stark evolution in how Hollywood self-regulates. For decades, the Academy rarely exercised its power to expel members, with the first instance not occurring until 2004. Historically, the organization focused primarily on industry-specific infractions—such as the unauthorized distribution of screeners—rather than personal conduct. However, the modern era has seen the Academy transition into a moral arbiter. By establishing formal "Standards of Conduct," the institution has signaled that membership is a privilege contingent upon social and legal adherence, rather than just professional achievement. This shift reflects a strategic effort to protect the Academy’s global brand from the reputational "contagion" of its most controversial members.