Richard Gere’s Bold Speech at 1993 Oscars Sparks 20-Year Ban

During the 65th Academy Awards on March 29, 1993, actor Richard Gere delivered a powerful speech that would have lasting repercussions on his career. While presenting the award for Best Art Direction, Gere shifted from the scripted format to address serious human rights abuses occurring in Tibet under Chinese rule. This unexpected move not only captivated the audience but also led to a two-decade absence from the Oscars for the celebrated star.

Gere began his address by acknowledging the vast audience, directly confronting the Chinese leadership with a poignant message. He stated, “I wonder if Deng Xiaoping is actually watching this right now, with his children and his grandchildren, and with the knowledge that what a horrendous, horrendous human rights situation there is in China.” He passionately called for the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Tibet, advocating for the Tibetan people’s freedom and independence.

While his comments received applause from many in the venue, the Academy’s organizers viewed his speech as a breach of protocol. Though there was no formal documentation of a ban, it became evident that Gere would be sidelined from the Oscars for the next 20 years. Bob Rehme, then-president of the Academy, emphasized that the Oscars focus solely on film and entertainment, not political matters, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Reflecting on the ban in a recent interview with Variety, Gere noted that he did not take the situation personally. He explained, “I do what I do and I certainly don’t mean anyone any harm. I mean to harm anger. I mean to harm exclusion. I mean to harm human rights abuses.” For Gere, his speech was not an act of provocation but rather a reflection of his conscience and values, deeply influenced by his long-standing friendship with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Gere’s absence from the Oscars finally came to an end in 2013 when he returned to present an award alongside the cast of Chicago, a film that had earned multiple Academy Awards. His return marked a significant moment, and he humorously remarked to HuffPost, “It seems if you stay around long enough, they forget they’ve banned you,” highlighting his perspective on the ban’s severity.

Throughout his career, Gere has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men. He gained considerable attention in the 1970s with roles in films like American Gigolo. His career peaked in the late 1980s and 1990s with iconic performances in films such as Pretty Woman, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Chicago, showcasing his versatility across various genres. Despite his involvement in multiple Oscar-winning films, he has never received a nomination from the Academy.

Beyond acting, Gere has remained dedicated to advocacy, using his platform to spotlight global issues. He has been a fervent supporter of Tibetan freedom and human rights, drawing inspiration from his relationship with the Dalai Lama. This year, he executive-produced the documentary Wisdom of Happiness, which explores the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion, redemption, and moral courage.

At 76, Gere continues to select projects that resonate with his personal values, balancing mainstream appeal with principled storytelling. His lengthy absence from the Oscars has not hindered his career; instead, it has reinforced his commitment to the causes he champions.