The Academy is reportedly divided on if Will Smith deserves to have his award confiscated.
Ahead of the hearing, a source close to the Academy tells The Sun, “The members are completely split.” Smith’s Oscar trial was originally set for April 18th. But due to him resigning from the Academy, the trial was rescheduled.
Last month, Smith won the best actor Academy Award for his role in “King Richard.” Prior to his win, Smith publicly slapped Chris Rock for making a “bald” joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith. The joke did not sit well with Will because Jada suffers from alopecia.
“The decision was made earlier this week to expedite the hearing. In the wake of Will’s resignation,” the source says. “And during that call, it was clear that the decision would go to the wire.”
The source also adds that “There have been at least two different Zoom and conference calls. With various members, and specific governors over the past ten days. The governors themselves are also said to be in disagreement.”
According to the source, the 54 board members, including 24 women, believe that removing Smith’s Oscar is hypocritical.
“Given, though, that convicted sexual predator Harvey Weinstein and fugitive child rapist Roman Polanski haven’t been stripped of their gongs. The general consensus is that it would be madness and rank hypocrisy to take such a stand now,” the source explained.
Needless to say, Will may have a good chance of keeping his award. Throughout the 94 years, the Academy has only revoked one Oscar. In 1969, the documentary “Young Americans” had their award confiscated after the board found out the film premiered in 1967.
