Brian Cullinan, PwC partner and leader of the accounting firm’s Oscar team for four years, has been identified as the lead culprit behind the biggest screw-up in Oscar history.
And it’s come to light that he tweeted a backstage photo of Emma Stone, newly-minted Oscar winner for “La La Land,” just moments before handing the wrong envelope to Best Picture presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
Dunaway notoriously read “La La Land” from the Best Actress card she had mistakenly been handed, instead of the actual winner, “Moonlight,” from the envelope that was still backstage with Cullinan.
Of course, you wouldn’t know about Cullinan’s starry distractions from his Twitter account currently, because its tweets end after Sunday afternoon.
But at least one screencap has survived of a Stone photo tweeted by Cullinan, and other Twitter users have upbraided him for what they described as a series of celebrity tweets during the show.
Cullinan has been working for PwC (the firm formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers) for more than 30 years, and has been one of the leaders of the Oscar team for four years.
The Academy’s accountants at PwC have issued no comment beyond an official apology sent late Sunday night promising to investigate the Oscars envelope flub to determine “how this could have happened.”
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.
ABC
Meryl Streep More than anyone, Streep was absolutely floored by the Oscar stage Best Picture flub.
Oscars All Access
Charlize Theron Furiosa approves.
ABC
Taraji P. Henson Henson was filming the moment on her phone, but couldn't wipe the shocked look off her face as "Moonlight" won.
ABC
Nicole Kidman Both Kidman and Keith Urban were ecstatic to hear the "Moonlight" news.
ABC
Denzel Washington Washington's face conveyed nothing but pride as the "Moonlight" cast and crew took the Oscar stage.
ABC
Busy Philipps It's possible Philipps could be more thrilled at "Moonlight" taking Best Picture, but it sure doesn't look like it.
ABC
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.
ABC
Matt Damon Damon broke out the two-finger dad whistle to share his approval of the "Moonlight" win.
ABC
Octavia Spencer Spencer beamed over the "Moonlight" win, adding her applause.
ABC
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson The Rock is all smiles as the Best Picture announcement goes out.
ABC
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.
ABC
1 of 13
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.