Al Pacino was allowed to read out the most important award of the evening at the 96th Academy Awards: But when he announced the “Best Film” category, his speech caused a faux pas in the history of the Adademy Awards by not including the ten nominated films mentioned again before he named “Oppenheimer” the winner. After numerous headlines, the Hollywood legend has now responded to this mishap with a statement and apologized.
The 83-year-old told the US portal “TMZ”: “There seems to be some controversy about the fact that I didn’t mention every film by name last night before I announced the award for best film. I just want to make it clear, that it was not my intention to leave them out, but a decision by the producers not to mention them again as they were highlighted individually during the ceremony.”
According to him, he adhered to the given rules during his performance. “I was honored to be a part of the evening and decided to follow the way they wanted the awards ceremony to be presented,” Pacino said in his statement.
But he feels sorry for the nominees, who he didn’t mention before the winner was announced: “I realize that a nomination is a big milestone in a person’s life and that it is insulting and hurtful if that is not fully recognized. I say this as someone who has a deep relationship with filmmakers, actors and producers, so I feel deeply for those who were offended by this oversight. That’s why I feel this statement is necessary.”
“This is the time for the final award of the evening and it is an honor to present it,” Pacino began the Best Picture Oscar, as stated in a video available on YouTube from Oscar TV channel ABC see is.
After Pacino’s statement that “ten wonderful films” were nominated, but only one “will receive the award for best film”, the reading of the nominated works such as “Barbie”, “Killers of the Flower Moon”, “Maestro” or the eventual winner “Oppenheimer”. This is a tradition in Hollywood and honors the best films of the past year – even if only one ultimately takes home the coveted Oscar trophy.
But Pacino skipped this important step and instead immediately opened the winning envelope with the words “I have to reach for the envelope… and I will… here it comes.” To great laughter in the hall, he declared: “And my eyes see Oppenheimer.” At first there was hardly any reaction in the Dolby Theater – until everyone realized that this was the announcement of the winner. Then the applause broke out and the music started.
