Academy Members React To Will Smith’s Oscars Ban for Chris Rock Slap – The

Carol Connors, music branch: “He’s not going to be able to present next year, and I think hurray for that. I don’t think he should be allowed on the Academy stage. What he did on the world stage was unacceptable. Ten years is an important round number. I don’t think it should have been one year or five years. Ten is appropriate. But I’m glad he will not present next year, after what he did. What if Chris would have fallen down and hit his head? The one guy is what, 140 pounds soaking wet, and the other guy played Muhammad Ali. Can you imagine what must have gone through Chris’ mind at that moment? And I think he handled it with great dignity.”

Stephen Potter, sound branch: “I have to say I’m surprised at the Academy’s formal response of a 10-year ban on Mr. Smith, which is harsher than I imagined it would be. Ten years is quite a long time and it’s possible this incident will mostly be forgotten before this term concludes. I think the Academy could have responded more quickly, but by waiting it suggests they carefully weighed their options. Mr. Rock maintained composure under very unexpected circumstances, and I applaud him for averting what could have been a total disaster. I believe Mr. Smith’s reaction was fueled by Ms. Pinkett Smith’s glaring look, and it’s unfortunate he chose to react as he did. The opinions are split between those who do and don’t support Mr. Smith’s actions, but the fact remains this incident was very unfortunate on many levels.”

Larry Gleason, executives branch: “The Academy dropped the ball by not taking action when it happened. This after-the-fact punishment is like the old saying, “Closing the barn door…” Too late and too little. After the La La Land fiasco, you would have thought they would have handled it better. Sad event for all concerned.”

Don Hahn, producers branch: “I hope it buys time for Mr. Smith to reflect and get help with the complicated issues that seem to haunt him. And we owe Chris Rock an honorary statue and some ibuprofen for holding it all together with humility.”

Harry Shearer, actors branch: “If Will Smith, or any other A-list actor, had run onstage and simply pulled down his pants and defecated, I seriously doubt he’d/she’d be back on that stage in 10 years, or ever. (Maybe, after a wrongheaded war, if the stage were radioactive.) A decade-long ban seems oddly parental, as in, he’ll have outgrown his slappin’ phase by then.”

Barry Morrow, writers branch: “As a believer in second chances, I want to see Mr. Smith host next year’s telecast. Punishment should fit the crime.”

Mitchell Block, documentary branch: “The board of governors should have reviewed why David Rubin and/or Dawn Hudson failed to have Will Smith immediately removed from the theater after he physically attacked one of the hosts. Their poor judgement demonstrated an inability to lead and be proactive under pressure and respond to this behavior. I am deeply disappointed that the governors did not censure them.”

Chuck Braverman, documentary branch: “As a longtime member, I am disturbed by many of the actions and moves at the Academy. The bigger issue than Will Smith is whether the Academy cares more about the value of the Oscar or the money from the network broadcast. Being voted on by your peers is everything. Comic book films and franchise movies would be nominated every year if the show was written by a network buyer, but that would be self-defeating and the Oscar would be a joke. Spending large for the museum has put the Academy into a financial hole. But a physical assault is totally unacceptable. Smith’s Oscar should be revoked and returned.”

Stephen Geller, writers branch: “What security measures is the Academy taking to ensure the safety of its audience and participants within any and all events held on its various premises? Should not those who have caused such disruption be subject to immediate civil and/or criminal penalties?”

Beverly Walker, marketing/public relations branch: “Too much. Given that he had already resigned and apologized elaborately, five years would’ve been sufficient. But there is an issue which, surprisingly to me, has been almost totally ignored, and that is the Academy’s longstanding habit of hiring comedian/hosts to march out and insult or make fun of the very people being celebrated. Given the expressions on some faces, there have undoubtedly been some who would’ve liked to make some sort of protest. What Rock said was egregious and he had to know it would not be appreciated. This should’ve been taken into consideration in meting out punishment to Smith.”

Stu Zakim, marketing/public relations branch: “It was too little. He should have been banned for life from re-applying or qualifying for a nomination for his arrogance and lack of sincerity in his apology. It showed a lot of remorse when he was dancing to his songs at the Vanity Fair party! Another blown…