Will Smith’s Oscar win be jeopardised? Explicitly stating the Academy’s code of conduct

According to industry insiders, Will Smith may be asked to return his Best Actor statuette following his live onstage assault on Chris Rock.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has strict guidelines in its code of conduct, which was announced Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

After the incident, a high-ranking Hollywood source told The Washington Post, “It’s basically assault.” Everyone in the room was shocked, and it was extremely uncomfortable.”

“I don’t think Will would want to give up his Oscar, but who knows what will happen now,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the Academy issued a cryptic statement on its official Twitter account: “The Academy does not condone any form of violence.” Tonight, we are thrilled to honour our 94th Academy Award winners, who have earned this honour from their peers and moviegoers all over the world.”

The Academy does not support any form of violence.

Tonight, we are thrilled to honour our 94th Academy Award winners, who have earned this honour from their peers and moviegoers all over the world.

— Academy (@TheAcademy) 28th of March, 2022
Following his victory, Smith was seen laughing and posing with photos as industry heavyweights such as Judd Apatow took aim.

In a now-deleted tweet, “Knocked Up” director Judd Apatow slammed Smith, saying, “He could have killed him.” That is uncontrollable rage and violence. In the last three decades, they’ve heard a million jokes about them. They aren’t newcomers to the worlds of Hollywood and comedy. He’d gone insane.”

“Someone in the audience charged the stage Friday night during my opener’s set and attempted to throw the speaker, started swinging at the people trying to stop her, and pushed down a security guard,” Fortune Feimster tweeted. It’s a frightening time. So, no, I don’t find it amusing to see someone get hit on stage.”

The Academy has been contacted for comment by The Washington Post.

However, its conduct code, which was released in 2017 in the aftermath of the industry’s sexual misconduct scandal, emphasises the importance of “upholding the Academy’s values,” such as inclusion, fostering supportive environments, and “respect for human dignity.”

According to Variety, AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson wrote to members at the time, “Academy membership is a privilege offered to only a select few within the global community of filmmakers.”

“In addition to achieving excellence in the field of motion picture arts and sciences, members must also act ethically by upholding the Academy’s values of human dignity, inclusion, and a supportive environment that fosters creativity.”

“There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power, or influence in ways that violate recognised standards of decency,” she added. Abuse, harassment, or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality is categorically prohibited by the Academy. The Academy’s Board of Governors believes that these standards are critical to the Academy’s mission and reflect our values.”

Smith may be in the clear in terms of the law. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Washington Post that it is aware of the incident.

“LAPD investigative units are aware of an incident involving two individuals during the Academy Awards programme,” a representative said. “In the incident, one person slapped another. The person involved has refused to file a police report. If the involved party wishes to obtain a police report at a later time, the LAPD will be available to complete an investigation.”