Hollywood star looks back at clash with Oscars years ago

Oscars are arguably the most coveted awards in Hollywood. However, Richard Gere, best known for American Gigolo, has none.

This is because the Academy had banned the actor for attending the event due to a political speech he made in 1993 over what he claimed the occupation of Tibet by the Chinese government.

The remarks were unscripted and came during his presentation for Best Art Direction award.

Decades later, the actor defends his speech, telling Variety, "I didn't think there was anything wrong with that situation. I do what I do, and I certainly don't mean to hurt anybody."

Although the Unfaithful star returned to the Academy Awards ceremony in 2013, adding a sarcastic comment, "It seems that if you stay long enough, they forget that they have banned you."

Richard's criticism of the Chinese government stemmed from his long-standing views on Buddhism.

Recently, he served as an executive producer on Wisdom of Happiness, which is about his friend the Dalai Lama, who is also a spiritual leader of Buddhists in Tibet.

“I’ve never worked this hard to get a film that I’ve been associated with to be seen in the world,” he said. 

“I think this is important enough that I have to give my last bit of energy to put this out there for people to see. At the very least, it will put a seed in the minds of people who see it.”

Wisdom of Happiness had an earlier theatrical release on October 16.