09 March 2023 , 13:56
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The 2023 Academy Awards ceremony will be very different to previous years, as organisers have been forced to break a long-running tradition.
The change comes after Will Smith was banned from attending the star-studded event for 10 years for storming on stage at last year's ceremony and slapping Chris Rock across the face.
Traditionally, acting winners are invited back to the ceremony the following year to present an award to the new winners.
The winner of the Best Actor presents the award for Best Actress, and vice versa for the winners of Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.
Shortly after slapping Chris, Will won his first Oscar of his career and took home Best Actor for his role in King Richard.
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Will Smith won his first Oscar last year (Getty Images)
Traditionally, he would have been invited back to the ceremony (AFP via Getty Images)This means he should have been invited back to present the award for Best Actress at this year's ceremony, which will be taking place this weekend.
However, the Men In Black star isn't expected to present an award during Sunday's event due to his decade-long ban from the Oscars.
It's currently unclear who will be brought in to present the Best Actress award in Will's absence.
In a statement released following the infamous slap, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said Will is forbidden from attending Academy events for 10 years.
The infamous slap happened onstage during the 94th Oscars (AFP via Getty Images)The statement read: "The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."
This year's event will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, with the comedian admitting he's ready for any drama that might come his way.
He joked he would eye up any potential slapper to see how big they are before deciding his fate.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: "Well, I size them up, and, if I'm bigger than they are, I beat the s*** out of them on television."
Jimmy Kimmel is hosting Sunday's event (ABC via Getty Images)He joked however, that he wouldn't be quite as brave if it turned out to be someone such as Dwayne Johnson, who is tipped to present at this year's ceremony.
He said if that was that case would would simply "run".
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Jimmy isn't the only one readying themselves for any potential altercations.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO, Bill Kramer, confirmed there is a "crisis team" working behind the scenes to make sure no issues arise.
He said the confrontation last year had "opened our minds to the many things that can happen at the Oscars".