Al Pacino has addressed the recent Oscars controversy over not naming the Best Pictures nominees during his presentation.
The 83-year-old actor took to the stage on Sunday night to present the award for Best Picture and many viewers have since commented on his rather “chaotic” presentation.
The actor seemed to jump the gun by announcing the winner before listing the nominees.
Al has now issued a statement regarding his “awkward” presentation.
He said: “There seems to be some controversy about my not mentioning every film by name last night before announcing the best picture award.”
“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.”
“I was honoured to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.”
I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol
“Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”#Oscars pic.twitter.com/a0hNQ4ZP7j
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024
He continued: “I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful.”
“I say this as someone who profoundly relates with filmmakers, actors and producers so I deeply empathise with those who have been slighted by this oversight and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement. ”
Oscars producer Molly McNearney also told Variety in an interview after the Oscars that “it was a creative decision” not to have the actor list all 10 Best Picture nominees before announcing the winner.
Al Pacino issues statement on not listing the 10 nominees for Best Picture at the #Oscars
“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” pic.twitter.com/5Zf8mZUYES
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) March 11, 2024
The reason behind this was that the creative team was “very worried that the show was going to be long” and clips from all 10 Best Picture nominees had already played throughout the ceremony.
The producer added that the Scent Of A Woman actor’s decision not to use the traditional “And the Oscar goes to…” made things “a little confusing.”
She added: “But listen, that’s the excitement of live television. You never know what you’re going to get exactly!”
