In a rare recent interview, Richard Gere addressed the long-standing ban that kept him away from the Oscars for twenty years — a decision that was imposed after he used his moment on the stage in 1993 to deliver an unscripted political statement condemning human-rights abuses in Tibet. The actor said he does not take the exclusion personally, describing his remarks then as driven not by anger toward individuals but by a desire to challenge injustice.
Gere, now 76, told his interviewer that his decision in 1993 to use the Oscar platform to appeal for compassion and justice aligned with his long-time friendship with Dalai Lama and his lifelong activism on behalf of Tibetan rights. He said that his intention was always to “harm anger,” not people — to challenge exclusion and human-rights abuses — and to remain true to the values of dignity and empathy he associates with the spiritual leader. He added that he did not view the Academy’s consequences as a personal attack, and said he harboured no ill will toward those involved in barring him.
The ban originated at the 1993 Oscars ceremony. Gere — then presenting the award for Best Art Direction — veered off his prepared remarks and publicly called out what he described as “a horrendous, horrendous human-rights issue” in Tibet. He appealed to Chinese leader of the time, urging withdrawal of troops and freedom for the Tibetan people. The remarks were deemed controversial and led to what became effectively a 20-year exclusion from Academy ceremonies. During that period, Gere did not appear on the Oscars stage.
The actor resurfaced at the Oscars in 2013, appearing to introduce musical performances, and co-presenting awards, signalling a restoration of his standing with the Academy. Nonetheless, in the years since, he has seldom featured at Academy events — a fact often attributed to his selective choice of smaller, character-driven films rather than mainstream blockbusters.
Gere’s reflection on the ban comes at a time when he also remains active in his advocacy for Tibet. He has long been a public supporter of Tibetan independence, a founding member of institutions devoted to preserving Tibetan culture and rights, and a vocal critic of China’s treatment of Tibet. His refusal to remain silent in 1993 cost him at the time — but the stance became a defining moment in his public identity and activism.
In the new remarks, Gere framed his decision as one rooted in conscience rather than career ambition. He said he never saw the Oscars as the most important goal — for him, speaking out on behalf of persecuted people was more meaningful. He reiterated that he doesn’t view the Academy’s response as an act of malice, but as a statement from an institution seeking to avoid political controversy. He said he understood why the Academy might have reacted as they did — but viewed his actions as part of a broader moral responsibility.
Critics and supporters alike have interpreted the interview as a reaffirmation of Gere’s commitment to human-rights advocacy and personal integrity. For many, the decision to speak publicly again about the ban underscores how deeply he believes in the cause of Tibet and in using his voice to call attention to suffering and injustice — regardless of possible professional cost.
The Oscars ban on Gere remains one of the most prominent examples of an entertainment institution penalising a star for political expression. While some high-profile figures have been barred for internal misconduct or criminal accusations, Gere’s case differs — it was triggered by a spontaneous speech opposing foreign government policy, made in a context of global broadcast visibility. That distinction has continued to fuel debate about where the boundary should lie between entertainment and activism.
For Gere himself, the ban is now part of his legacy, as important as any of his film roles. He said he does not regret the moment, and views it as consistent with a life-long dedication to justice. As he told his interviewer: he stood then — and stands now — for compassion, truth, and human dignity.
