If you were with us on Sunday night/ Monday morning and stayed up to watch the Oscars, you’ll be well aware of the issues that arrived when Best Picture was announced around about 5am UK time. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway took to the stage to announce the evening’s big award, which, through no fault of their own, was wrongly given to La La Land, before eventually being awarded to the true winner, Moonlight.
Academy accountants PriceWaterhouseCoopers yesterday took full responsibility for the mix-up, and issued an apology:
“PwC takes full responsibility for the series of mistakes and breaches of established protocols during last night’s Oscars,” the statement issued yesterday read. “PwC partner Brian Cullinan mistakenly handed the back-up envelope for Actress in a Leading Role instead of the envelope for Best Picture to presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Once the error occurred, protocols for correcting it were not followed through quickly enough by Mr. Cullinan or his partner.”
Well, now The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have also released a statement regarding the incident.
“We deeply regret the mistakes that were made during the presentation of the Best Picture category during last night’s Oscar ceremony. We apologize to the entire cast and crew of La La Land and Moonlight whose experience was profoundly altered by this error. We salute the tremendous grace they displayed under the circumstances. To all involved?—?including our presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, the filmmakers, and our fans watching worldwide?—?we apologize.
For the last 83 years, the Academy has entrusted PwC to handle the critical tabulation process, including the accurate delivery of results. PwC has taken full responsibility for the breaches of established protocols that took place during the ceremony. We have spent last night and today investigating the circumstances, and will determine what actions are appropriate going forward. We are unwaveringly committed to upholding the integrity of the Oscars and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.”
La La Land scooped six awards on the night, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle and Best Actress for Emma Stone. See the full list of winners over here.
