The 2026 Oscars marks four years since Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock live on stage in front of hundreds of famous faces. As a result of the ballsy bust-up, Will was banned from the awards ceremony for 10 years.
At the 2022 ceremony in Los Angeles, Chris mocked Will's wife Jada's appearance. He commented on Jada's shaved head - a result of alopecia, a hair loss condition. Clips showing Will immediately marching on stage and slapping him across the face and telling him to keep his wife's name out his mouth have been viewed millions of times online. Will later said that his actions were "shocking, painful, and inexcusable", but that wasn't enough to remove the ban. The Academy's rule book warns: "The Academy's Standards of Conduct are essential to the Academy's mission and reflective of our values. If any member is found by the Board of Governors to have violated these standards or to have compromised the integrity of the Academy by one's actions, the Board of Governors may take any disciplinary action permitted by the Academy's Bylaws, including membership suspension or expulsion."
To make sure that the event stays as prestigious and seamless as possible, there are a number of rules in place. For example, the Academy wants to look filled to the brim with jubilant people, so it hires seat-fillers for when the stars need to refill their glasses or empty their bladders.
The speeches also follow strict rules and are supposed to be limited to just 45 seconds - a rule that often goes out of the window. For example, Julia Roberts' Oscar speech lasted for over four minutes.
But before the doors even open, there are already regulations in place. Stars aren't allowed to sneak any snacks in as food is not allowed in the Dolby theatre.
They also need to watch what they wear as there is a strict dress code in place - but that doesn't stop stars strolling up in some extravagant designs. The dress code is strictly formal, defined as black tie, featuring floor-length evening gowns for women and tuxedos for men.
And the red carpet before the event actually has two lines - one for the superstars of the world, and one for everyone else.
If you miss the red carpet completely, then be prepared to miss the whole event. Those who are late are not permitted entry until the next break.
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