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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

What will happen to Will Smith's Oscar now he's resigned from the Academy

Despite Will Smith's resignation from Hollywood's Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it doesn't appear any more likely he will lose his grip on the Oscar he clung to minutes after slapping Chris Rock.

The actor quit last night, saying his on-stage attack of the presenter was "shocking, painful and inexcusable."

At the ceremony last Sunday, the film great, 53, strode up to the stage after the funnyman made a joke about the appearance of his wife, then hit him across the face.

Less than an hour later, Will gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor award for his role in King Richard.

As the fall out continues, he fell on his sword and resigned from the Academy.

Will Smith last night resigned from the Academy (AFP via Getty Images)

He will lose plenty of the benefits that members are afforded - but the star is not expected to have to hand back that Oscar he collected last weekend.

The only time in history one has been rescinded was due to a technical error.

That happened in 1967 when documentary Young Americans was found to have been released too early to be eligible for the 1969 awards.

Both scandal-hit Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski were both allowed to keep awards, meaning it is highly unlikely Will could ever lose his.

There have been calls for the Oscar he won for his role in King Richard to be taken away (Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock)
The 2022 Oscars were marred last month when Will slapped comedian Chris Rock live on stage (FilmMagic)

But now he has quit the Academy, he can say goodbye to access to screeners and the ability to vote for potential nominees.

It is unclear yet if invites to future ceremonies are now in doubt.

He said in a statement last night: "I betrayed the trust of the Academy.

"I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.

The actor has apologised for the on-stage slap that created global headlines (REUTERS)

"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate."

David Rubin, president of the film academy, said on Friday that the group accepted Smith's resignation but would continue with disciplinary proceedings that could lead to additional sanctions.

The presenter joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, making a reference to the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.

The matter is due to be discussed at the group's next board meeting on April 18.

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