Why was Richard Gere not presenting at the Oscars?

Richard Gere was not invited to present at the Oscars for two decades due to a TV producer's disapproval of his 1993 political speech.

Did the Academy ban Richard Gere from the Oscars?

No, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never officially banned Richard Gere from the Oscars ceremony.

What did Richard Gere say at the 1993 Academy Awards?

Richard Gere spoke out about Tibetan independence and human rights in China during his 1993 Oscars presentation.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Gere's Oscars 'Ban': Fact vs. Fiction

Gere's Oscars 'Ban': Fact vs. Fiction

10 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Richard Gere was not officially banned by the Academy, despite his absence.
A TV producer, not the Academy, disliked Gere's 1993 political speech.
Gere returned to present Oscars awards in 2013 after a two-decade gap.

Richard Gere's absence from the Academy Awards stage for two decades was not due to an official ban, but rather the displeasure of a television producer. In 1993, Gere deviated from the script to advocate for Tibetan independence, criticizing China's leader Deng Xiaoping. This move greatly displeased the ceremony's producer, Gil Cates, who subsequently did not invite Gere to present at future shows.

While Gere has alluded to being banned, sources confirm the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never formally reprimanded him. Cates, who produced many Oscars broadcasts, stated he wouldn't invite Gere back, citing the inappropriateness of presenters using their time for political statements. This producer's influence reportedly kept Gere from presenting until 2013.

Gere did attend the 2003 Oscars to support his film 'Chicago.' He eventually returned to present in 2013, humorously noting he had been 'rehabilitated.' Reflecting recently, Gere stated he didn't take the situation personally, emphasizing his focus on human rights and a desire to align with values of redemption.