The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026. It’s a night when all of Hollywood gathers under one roof to celebrate the most prestigious stars, but many A-listers won’t be there because they've been banned. Among those stars are Will Smith and Richard Gere, who won’t be receiving an invitation to the awards ceremony. Smith was famously added to the list following the shocking moment he slapped Chris Rock across the face during the 2022 Oscars. Pretty Woman star Richard Gere was barred when he went rogue on live television during the 1993 Oscars by abandoning the teleprompter and launching into a passionate plea over China’s human rights abuses in Tibet. He was swiftly rebuked by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s president Bob Rehme, warning him that the show is about entertainment and not political activities around the world. Among other celebrities banned from the Oscars are — for obvious reasons — Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences makes sure that those who violate their code of conduct are no longer welcome. Academy leadership aims to keep it about the films, but artists often feel the need to use the platform to air their grievances, leading to a mix of personal speeches and occasional political commentary. It remains to be seen whether any new celebrities will be joining the banned group next year.
