Al Pacino has clarified the controversial moment at this year’s Oscars when he appeared to skip announcing the Best Picture nominees before revealing the winner.
While presenting the final award of the night, Pacino, 83, declared “Oppenheimer” as the winner without preceding it with the list of nominees, drawing criticism from viewers.
However, Pacino has since released a statement explaining that the decision was intentional and in line with the producers’ direction.
He clarified, “I just want to be clear it was not my intention to omit them, rather a choice by the producers not to have them said again since they were highlighted individually throughout the ceremony.”
Pacino expressed that he felt honored to be part of the evening and respected the producers’ decision regarding the presentation of the award.
“I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful.”
In conclusion, Pacino emphasized his empathy for those who felt slighted by the oversight and felt it was necessary to address the issue.
Meanwhile, “Oppenheimer” emerged as the major winner of the night, securing seven awards including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Film for Christopher Nolan’s biopic on the atomic bomb inventor.
Among the ceremony’s highlights were Ryan Gosling’s energetic performance of his Barbie soundtrack hit and the adorable four-legged star, Messi, from “Anatomy of a Fall,” almost stealing the spotlight.