Award shows are the glitziest nights in Hollywood. Stars dress up, give tearful speeches, and pose for flashing cameras. But not everyone is welcome.
Over the years, some celebrities have been banned—yes, banned—from these glamorous events. Whether it was because of wild behavior, scandal, or shocking outbursts, these stars crossed the line and faced serious consequences.
Here are 8 Hollywood stars who were told, “You’re not invited.” And trust us, the reasons will leave you stunned.
1. Will Smith – The Oscars (Banned for 10 Years) In 2022, the world watched in shock as Will Smith walked on stage at the Oscars and slapped comedian Chris Rock.
The moment came after Chris made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which was due to alopecia. Smith yelled from his seat, stunned the audience, and moments later won Best Actor. But the celebration didn’t last.
The Academy condemned his actions and, after public debate, banned him from attending the Oscars for 10 years. Smith apologized publicly and resigned from the Academy.
The slap is still one of the most shocking award show moments ever.
2. Kanye West – The Grammys (2022 Ban) Kanye West has had a long, rocky history with award shows. He’s interrupted speeches, ranted on stage, and taken over microphones.
But in 2022, the Recording Academy banned him from performing at the Grammys. The decision followed a string of concerning social media posts, including threats and offensive comments.
Organizers cited his “online behavior” as the reason. Kanye still won awards that year, but he wasn’t allowed to perform or attend.
It wasn’t the first time Ye made headlines at an award show—but it was the first time he got officially sidelined.
3. Richard Gere – The Oscars (Informal Ban in 1993) Richard Gere didn’t do anything wild—but he did get political. In 1993, while presenting at the Oscars, he used his time on stage to criticize China’s government and its actions in Tibet.
The speech angered the Academy and sparked backlash. He was informally banned from future Oscar appearances for many years.
The Academy preferred stars to “stay neutral,” especially on live TV. Gere’s ban wasn’t official, but it was real.
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He returned to the Oscars more than a decade later, but only after the controversy faded. His moment remains one of the rare political stands at an award show.
4. Adrien Brody – The Oscars (Kissing Halle Berry) In 2003, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Pianist. As he went on stage, he shocked the world—not with a speech, but with a kiss.
He grabbed presenter Halle Berry and kissed her without asking. The moment was awkward and uncomfortable. At the time, people laughed it off, but in later years, it was viewed very differently.
While Brody was never officially banned, he reportedly faced backlash and wasn’t invited back for years.
In the era of #MeToo, that kiss is often cited as an example of inappropriate behavior that once got a pass in Hollywood.
5. Sinead O’Connor – The Grammys (1991 Boycott and Fallout) In 1991, Sinead O’Connor made history by being the first artist to refuse a Grammy after being nominated. She boycotted the show to protest what she called the “commercialism” of the music industry.
But things got even more tense. She performed on Saturday Night Live and ripped up a photo of the Pope on live TV. The backlash was swift. The Grammy community distanced itself, and she wasn’t welcomed at future shows.
Her bold protest sparked debates about religion, politics, and censorship—but it also got her unofficially blacklisted from many mainstream award circles.
6. Marlon Brando – The Oscars (Rejected Award via Protester) In 1973, Marlon Brando won Best Actor for The Godfather. But instead of attending the Oscars, he sent Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to decline the award on his behalf.
She spoke out against Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. Some in the crowd booed, while others applauded. The Academy didn’t officially ban Brando, but he was never invited back to that stage.
The moment was groundbreaking and controversial. It opened the door for political statements at award shows—but it also cost Brando future invites.
7. Roman Polanski – The Oscars (Banned Due to Legal Issues) Roman Polanski fled the U.S. in the late 1970s after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor.
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Despite being in exile, he continued to direct films and even won an Oscar in 2003 for The Pianist. But he couldn’t attend. In 2018, amid the #MeToo movement, the Academy officially expelled him.
That meant he was banned from attending any Academy events—including the Oscars.
The move was long overdue for many, and it remains one of the strongest actions taken by the Academy in its history.
8. Harvey Weinstein – Banned by Every Major Award Body Once a powerful producer, Harvey Weinstein’s fall was swift and severe. After dozens of women accused him of sexual harassment and assault, the #MeToo movement gained momentum.
In 2017, the Academy expelled him. Soon after, other major institutions followed. He was banned by the BAFTAs, the Television Academy, and the Golden Globes.
His name was wiped from Hollywood, and his films were blacklisted. Weinstein is now in prison, and his case remains a symbol of accountability in the entertainment industry.
These stories prove that even the biggest stars can’t always escape consequences.
Award shows are meant to honor talent, but they also reflect values—and when those are crossed, the red carpet gets rolled up.
From shocking moments to political protests, these celebrities learned that fame doesn’t guarantee a seat at the table.
