10 Celebrities Banned from Awards Shows – Reasons Explained

Several celebrities have been excluded from guest lists, or prohibited from attending specific awards shows over the years for various reasons. Here's why.

Being a celebrity comes with many privileges, including attending high-profile events. Even so, these events have rules that must be adhered to. When one fails to comply, they risk being barred from future events.

Richard Gere - Banned from the Academy (Oscars)

Richard Gere was banned from the Oscars after he went off-script at the 1993 ceremony. The veteran actor was banned from a presenting role after he temporarily ignored the teleprompter and began using his time to talk about the conflict between Tibet and China.

The "Pretty Woman" actor, one of the world's most high-profile activists, used his time at the podium to denounce the Chinese government. The act resulted in him being banned from the Oscars for 20 years.

Two decades later, Richard returned to the Oscars for the 2013 ceremony. In an interview, the actor reflected on his comeback 20 years after being banned. He said:

"Apparently, I've been rehabilitated. It seems if you stay around long enough, they forget they've banned you."

Joan and Melissa Rivers - Banned from the Emmys

In 2004, Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers were prohibited from attending the Emmys due to their popular TV show, "Fashion Police." Despite the show's success and their move to the TV Guide Network, the exclusive cable rights for the red carpet belonged to E! that year.

As a result, they were not granted permission to attend the event. E! also maintained exclusive red carpet rights for the following year in 2005.

Kanye West - Banned from the Grammys

According to insiders, in 2022, Kanye West allegedly faced a ban from performing at the Grammys due to what was described as "concerning online behavior."

The award-winning rapper reportedly received a phone call informing him he was excluded from the list of performers for the show. The governing body made the decision to what they deemed to be concerning online behavior.

Morgan Wallen - Banned from the BMAs

Morgan was banned from the 2021 Billboard Music Awards after a controversial video of him using a racial slur made rounds online. Morgan Wallen was videotaped saying racial slurs as he entered his Nashville home with friends.

Following the incident, Dick Clark Productions, which produces the Billboard Music Awards, released a statement announcing that the country singer would not attend the Awards show, noting that his conduct did not align with their core values.

Harvey Weinstein - Banned from the Academy(Oscars)

In 2017, Harvey Weinstein, a prominent Hollywood producer, was banned from the Academy following numerous allegations of sexual assault and rape that had accumulated for a long time. The severity of these accusations led to his expulsion from the Academy. Harvey has since been convicted of sex offenses and is serving a prison sentence.

Will Smith - Banned from the Academy (Oscars)

In 2022 Will Smith was banned from attending Academy Awards for ten years after the award-winning actor slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the 2022 Oscar ceremony,

Bill Cosby - Expelled from the Academy (Oscars)

Veteran comedian and actor Bill Cosby was expelled by The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from its membership ranks.

The move came after he was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault, a case brought forward by Andrea Constand. Cosby has also faced allegations of sexual assault from as many as 60 women. American Advertising Federation also revoked Bill's induction to the Advertising Hall of Fame.

Roman Polanski - Expelled from the Academy (Oscars)

The Academy also expelled and revoked Roman Polanski's membership in 2018. The French-Polish film director was banned decades after fleeing the country while awaiting sentencing for a statutory rape conviction in 1978.