During the weekend performance, co-presenter Colin Jost on Friday announced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ announcement that the King Richard star had been barred from all of the organization’s events, including the upcoming Oscars for 10 years after the slap of presenter Chris Rock during last month’s Oscars. “As punishment for Chris Rock’s slap, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars for 10 years,” said Jost. “But is this a punishment? He may still be a candidate. He can even win an award. He can even go to after the party “. Jost continued, “You just do not need to attend the four-hour ceremony where someone will definitely make fun of his wife again.” The SNL star followed the joke by showing a photo of himself and fellow Weekend Update presenter Michael Che looking uncomfortable as he co-hosts the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018. “Honestly, I think a real punishment would be to get Will Smith to host next year ‘s Oscars,” Jost said ironically. “Because, believe me, nothing will make you question your choices in life more than hosting an awards show.” The Academy’s board held a special meeting on Friday to discuss action against Smith, who apologized to the Academy after being slapped while accepting the Academy Award for Best Actor. On April 1, Smith announced that he was resigning as a member of the team. Since Friday’s decision, dozens of Academy members have shared their reactions with The Hollywood Reporter, with one member calling the punishment “too great” and another calling it “too little and too late.” Smith issued a brief statement Friday saying he would “accept and respect” the decision. Rock, meanwhile, remained mostly a mom over the quarrel that followed the Oscar-comedy joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who had a shaved head. (The actress has alopecia.)
