Will the Fresh Prince Return? Can Will Smith Attend the 2023 Academy Awards, Following the Notorious Slap-Gate Incident at Oscars 2022?

Published 01/26/2023, 8:30 AM EST

via Imago

Will the world forgive Will Smith or not? This question has been the subject of heated debate on the internet for several months. The controversial incident at the 94th Academy Awards marked the image of the American superstar in the public eye. One slap that telecasted him onto the very dark side of Hollywood history when he stormed the stage to defend his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Although the Bad Boys star apologized to the famous comedian later he did face major consequences for his actions. Smith remained the target of the media frenzy around the drama hiding in the shadows. As for now, people have started talking about this fiasco once again saying that we should let the past go. Yet the question arises whether the Ali starlet will be allowed to attend the 2023 Oscar or not.

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Is Will Smith welcomed at the Academy Awards this year? 

According to the statements issued last April following the infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith is not welcomed at the most prestigious events of the industry for ten years. The Academy Board condemned the 54-year-old actor for his catastrophic behavior exhibited that night. They said that the Grammy winner clouded the evening of celebrations by slapping Chris Rock.

“Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.” read the statement.

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Therefore, it is beyond question that the Suicide Squad star is forbidden from attending the ceremony that will be hosted on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, for fans who wishes to see this legendary actor on the silver screen shouldn’t worry. Will Smith might not be able to step on Academy red carpet but his future as an actor is completely safe.

Since Disney has shown green light to the Oscar winner to reprise his role in the upcoming Aladdin sequel. The creators believe that every human should get another chance to amend their mistakes. So they would like to welcome him back with open arms to play the fan-favorite Genie.

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What do you think? Will Academy change their decision seeing how the actor has repented for his actions? Share your thoughts with us in the comment box and stick around for updates.

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Shikha Arya

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Shikha Arya is an experienced entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, having contributed over 1000 articles to the platform. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature from a prestigious university and has honed her writing skills over three years. Shikha's forte lies in crafting thought-provoking pieces about the lives of pop culture icons.

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