“Is this a punishment?” – The Hollywood Reporter

distance Saturday Night Live joking will SmithDisreputable Oscars Nowadays in several sectors From the episode that aired on April 2, it seemed likely that the NBC series would take some time this week to address the latest developments.

During the Saturday installment of Weekend Update, co-host Colin Jost The announcement of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday raised that King Richard star blocked From all of the organization’s events, including the Academy Awards ceremonies, over the next 10 years after slapping presenter Chris Rock during last month’s Academy Awards.

“As a punishment for slapping Chris Rock, Will Smith was banned from the Academy Awards for 10 years by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Jost said. “But is that a punishment? He can still be nominated. He can even win an award. He can even go beyond the party.”

Jost continued, “He doesn’t have to attend the four-hour party where someone is going to make fun of his wife again.”

The SNL The star continued the joke by showing off a picture of him and fellow “Weekend Update” presenter Michael Che looking uncomfortable while co-hosting the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards.

“Honestly, I think the real punishment would be to have Will Smith host the Academy Awards next year,” Jost quipped. “Because, believe me, nothing will make you question your choices in life more than hosting an awards show.”

The Academy’s Board of Regents held a special meeting Friday to discuss action against Smith, who apologized to the Academy after being slapped while accepting his Oscar for Best Actor. On April 1, Smith announced that he was resign as a member from the group.

Since Friday’s decision dozens of members of the Academy Share their reactions With The Hollywood Reporterwith one member deeming the punishment “too much” and another deeming it “too small and too late”.

Smith issued a brief statement Friday saying he would “accept and respect” the decision. Meanwhile, Rock has a I mostly stayed mum Regarding the altercation that followed the Oscar Comedy joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, she has a shaved head. (The actress has alopecia areata.)