On the heels of a second apology from PwC over the confusion at Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy has added its own apology for the chaos that ensued when presenter Warren Beatty was given the wrong envelope before he presented Best Picture.
AMPAS apologized to the filmmakers and presenters involved, and to fans and TV viewers, and said it “determine what actions are appropriate going forward.”
PwC has taken full responsibility for the error, in which its balloting leader Brian Cullinan mistakenly handed Beatty an envelope for the Best Actress category instead of Best Picture. Cullinan had tweeted a photo of Emma Stone from backstage moments before he made the mistake.
PwC apologized for the error a few hours after the Oscars ceremony ended, and added a second, more extensive apology on Monday evening.
Read the full statement below:
“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.”
Oscars: Stars' Reactions to 'Moonlight' Best Picture Win Are The Best (Photos)
No one was prepared tonight for what may have been the biggest on-stage mistake in the history of the Oscars, when "Moonlight" took home the award for Best Picture -- only after it was first mistakenly given to "La La Land." Here are the best reactions from the stars at the Oscars.
Viola Davis Holding her own Oscar in hand, Davis is clearly thrilled for everyone involved with "Moonlight" -- as is her husband, Julius Tennon.
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Meryl Streep More than anyone, Streep was absolutely floored by the Oscar stage Best Picture flub.
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Charlize Theron Furiosa approves.
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Taraji P. Henson Henson was filming the moment on her phone, but couldn't wipe the shocked look off her face as "Moonlight" won.
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Nicole Kidman Both Kidman and Keith Urban were ecstatic to hear the "Moonlight" news.
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Denzel Washington Washington's face conveyed nothing but pride as the "Moonlight" cast and crew took the Oscar stage.
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Busy Philipps It's possible Philipps could be more thrilled at "Moonlight" taking Best Picture, but it sure doesn't look like it.
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Janelle Monae From the Oscar stage, Monae celebrated the "Moonlight" win, putting into action the feelings of a huge number of people across the Internet.
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Matt Damon Damon broke out the two-finger dad whistle to share his approval of the "Moonlight" win.
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Octavia Spencer Spencer beamed over the "Moonlight" win, adding her applause.
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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson The Rock is all smiles as the Best Picture announcement goes out.
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Samuel L. Jackson The angle was a bit obscured, but Jackson took a photo with his phone of the amazing Best Picture moment, and then appeared to wipe away a tear.
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Shock, disbelief, tears and laughter as Barry Jenkins’ drama lands Best Picture Oscar after it was mistakenly given to ”La La Land“
No one was prepared tonight for what may have been the biggest on-stage mistake in the history of the Oscars, when "Moonlight" took home the award for Best Picture -- only after it was first mistakenly given to "La La Land." Here are the best reactions from the stars at the Oscars.