Richard Gere, renowned for roles in films such as “American Gigolo,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Runaway Bride,” has finally addressed his lengthy exclusion from the Academy Awards, speaking openly about his 20-year Oscars ban and sharing insights into how the Richard Gere Oscars ban affected his perspective and career. Gere, who earned a Golden Globe in 2003 for “Chicago,” was banned from attending the Oscars after his public criticism of China’s Tibet policies at the Academy Awards a decade earlier.
Gere’s outspoken remarks at the Oscars regarding human rights abuses in Tibet led the Academy to issue a ban that lasted for two decades. Despite this, he returned in 2003 when “Chicago” received multiple nominations, and he was eventually invited as a presenter in 2013 once the ban was lifted. This act set a precedent for how the Academy deals with stars who step into political territory during its globally broadcast events.
The Reason Behind the Ban: Speaking Out for Human Rights
The moment that initiated Gere’s ban occurred when he used his platform at the Oscars to highlight human rights violations by China against Tibet. This decision was met with swift action by the Academy, resulting in a bar from the annual ceremony. Gere has now made it clear that he did not mean any ill will with his actions. He stated that his intention was to target the concepts of anger, exclusion, and human rights abuses, not to harm individuals within the Academy or Hollywood itself.
“I didn’t take it particularly personally. I didn’t think there were any bad guys in the situation. I do what I do and I certainly don’t mean anyone any harm. I mean to harm anger. I mean to harm exclusion. I mean to harm human rights abuses, but I try to stay as close to where His Holiness comes from… that everyone is redeemable, and in the end, everyone has to be redeemed or none of us [are]. So in that sense, I don’t take it personally.”
— Richard Gere, Actor
Gere explained that his philosophy is shaped by his connection with the Dalai Lama, emphasizing forgiveness and redemption. Instead of harboring resentment towards the Academy, he expresses understanding of the complex situation, focusing instead on the broader issue of justice.
The Influence of the Dalai Lama and Personal Mindset
The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has maintained a supportive friendship with Gere throughout the Hollywood controversy. Despite sharing a strong bond, the two have never directly discussed the Oscars scandal. Gere shared that, at times, when he receives recognition or awards, the Dalai Lama might send brief congratulatory notes, but deeper conversations about the film industry have not taken place between them.
“It never came up. They’ll tell him once in a while if I get an award or something and he sends a note, congratulating me, that he’s happy for me, But that’s about as close as it gets to actually talking about movies.”
— Richard Gere, Actor
Following these principles, Gere strives to handle public criticism with composure, drawing inspiration from the Dalai Lama’s teachings about the redeemability of all people. This mindset has enabled Gere to move beyond the hurt caused by public and professional backlash after his Oscars speech.
The Dalai Lama’s Reaction to Gere’s Documentary
Recently, Gere produced “Wisdom of Happiness,” a documentary focused on the Dalai Lama and his life’s journey. When questioned about the Buddhist leader’s reaction to the film, Gere revealed that the Dalai Lama showed little interest in scenes featuring himself, preferring instead to watch old footage of his friends and family. These moments brought visible delight to the spiritual leader as he reminisced about his childhood and connections from the past.
“He really didn’t have any interest in seeing himself at all. So she kind of skipped forward through that, but when there was this old footage where he was seeing his old friends and family and remembering — he was delighted going into his memory bank of his childhood, like we all would.”
— Richard Gere, Actor
Gere and Other Notable Oscar Bans
The Richard Gere Oscars ban was not the only high-profile expulsion in the history of the Academy Awards. Several other public figures have faced bans from the prestigious event for various reasons, some connected to criminal allegations and misconduct. The following is a list of notable individuals and the years they were banned:
1. Richard Gere – 1993
2. Carmine Caridi – 2004
3. Harvey Weinstein – 2017
4. Roman Polanski – 2018
5. Bill Cosby – 2018
6. Adam Kimmel – 2021
7. Will Smith – 2022
In more recent years, Will Smith’s 10-year ban followed the now-infamous incident when he struck Chris Rock on stage during the 2022 Oscars, in response to a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. The shocking action overshadowed Smith’s subsequent Best Actor accolade and became one of the most talked-about moments in Oscar history.
Others, such as Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, and Bill Cosby, were expelled after being convicted or accused of serious crimes, including sexual assault. Carmine Caridi and Adam Kimmel also faced bans over separate incidents. This growing list underscores the Academy’s evolving stance on behavior and accountability within the industry.
Life and Career Beyond the Oscars Ban
Despite the lengthy restriction from Hollywood’s biggest award show, Gere continued to act and remain active within the film industry, undeterred by the controversy. Speaking to Variety, he dismissed the importance of the Oscars ban in his life, emphasizing that he prioritizes using his voice in ways he believes are ethical and necessary. His new documentary about the Dalai Lama stands as testament to this commitment, blending his artistry with spiritual values.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter anymore,”
Gere told Variety, reflecting that the opportunity to express himself and continue creating was more significant than any recognition or exclusion. The actor’s journey, as well as the recent cases of other banned attendees, highlights ongoing conversations about free speech, artistic expression, and consequences within the entertainment industry. As Gere brings his documentary to the public, he hopes viewers will engage with its message and appreciate the power of redemption and compassion—a cause that has consistently motivated his actions both on and off the Oscar stage.
