What led to Richard Gere being banned from the Oscars for two decades?

Long before the controversy surrounding Will Smith, Richard Gere found himself at the center of an Oscars dispute. In a recent interview with Variety on December 3, the 76-year-old actor discussed his perspective on being absent from the Academy Awards for twenty years.

I didnt take it personally, Gere shared. I didnt see anyone as the villain in the situation. I simply do what I believe in, and I never intend to harm anyone.

The Incident That Sparked the Ban

Gere, known for roles in films like Pretty Woman and An Officer and a Gentleman, was presenting at the Oscars in 1993 when he deviated from the script to comment on Chinas human rights situation in Tibet. Originally slated to announce the Best Art Direction nominees, he instead addressed the global audience, saying he was concerned about the billion viewers, including those in China, witnessing the ceremony. He called attention to the "horrendous human rights situation" in China and Tibet, urging a peaceful resolution.

Following his remarks, Gere did not return to present at the Oscars for another twenty years, though he attended in 2003 when his film Chicago was nominated for Best Picture. At the time, the Academy denied imposing an official ban, but reports suggest the late producer Gil Cates had expressed he would avoid inviting Gere back to future ceremonies.

Geres Advocacy and Career Impact

Gere has been a long-time supporter of Tibet and a close friend of the Dalai Lama for over four decades. His activism has led to a lifetime ban from China and affected his career opportunities. The actor revealed that certain film projects were blocked or restricted due to his political stance, including a Chinese director backing out and issues with the release of his 1997 film Red Corner.

Despite these challenges, Gere continues to work in films and television. He recently starred in the 2023 romantic comedy Maybe I Do and the Showtime espionage series The Agency. He remains focused on character-driven stories rather than blockbuster franchises, noting that avoiding mainstream studio pressures has not hindered his artistic pursuits.

Perspective on the Ban

Reflecting on his absence from the Oscars, Gere stated, I didnt have to put on a tuxedo again, and that was fine with me. His commitment to meaningful roles and advocacy has remained unchanged, and he continues to prioritize projects that align with his values and creative interests.

Author: Maya Henderson