LOS ANGELES — Because the Academy has banned him from attending the Oscars for 10 years, Will Smith will not be able to continue the tradition of the reigning lead actor winner presenting the award for lead actress during this year’s ceremony.
After slapping presenter Chris Rock onstage during last year’s show, Smith won lead actor for his powerful performance in “King Richard.” If not for the ban, Smith would have likely been invited to present the award for lead actress, while reigning lead actress winner Jessica Chastain would be on hand to present lead actor; reigning supporting actor winner Troy Kotsur would be tapped to present supporting actress; and reigning supporting actress winner Ariana DeBose would be expected to present supporting actor.
But now the Academy’s controversial punishment for The Slap — Smith was banned from the Oscar ceremony for a decade — has raised an important question: Who will unveil the 2023 lead actress winner on Sunday evening?
