Warren Beatty had some explaining to do Sunday after he and co-presenter Faye Dunaway made perhaps the biggest flub in awards show history, erroneously naming “La La Land” the Oscar’s Best Picture instead of the real winner, “Moonlight.”
Oscar accounting firm PwC eventually took the blame for the error, but this one will fuel conspiracy theories for years. Beatty explained, and PwC later confirmed, that he and Dunaway had been handed an envelope containing the name of “La La Land” star Emma Stone, the Best Actress winner, wrongly took it to mean “La La Land” had won Best Picture.
“I want to tell you what happened,” he said. “I opened the envelope and it said Emma Stone, ‘La La Land.’ That’s why I took such a long look at Faye and at you. I wasn’t trying to be funny.”
Host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly blamed Beatty for the mistake: “Warren, what did you DO?” he exclaimed.
“This is not a joke. ‘Moonlight’ has won best picture,” said “La La Land” producer Jordan Horowitz, after the “La La Land” team had given acceptance speeches.
“This is very unfortunate what happened. Personally I blame Steve Harvey for this,” Kimmel said, with a very quick ad-lib about a past Miss Universe ceremony mess-up on Harvey’s part.
At least Beatty’s sister, Shirley MacLaine, had a good night: She was one of the highlights of the show as she presented an award with Charlize Theron, who named her as an early inspiration.
Re-watch the entire incident here:
Oscars 2017 Red Carpet Looks, Ranked From Worst to Best (Photos)
See TheWrap's ranking of Oscars fashion at Sunday's Academy Awards, from Alicia Vikander to Taraji P. Henson.
Teresa Palmer There’s way too much going on in the look from “Hacksaw Ridge” star Palmer -- unflattering pleats, a confounding fit and odd hair and makeup to boot.
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Jessica Biel Gorgeous as she is, this Kaufmanfranco gown and matching Tiffany statement necklace on Biel is a flat-out disaster.
Alicia Vikander Last year’s Best Supporting Actress winner needed a bit more support before she stepped out of the house -- black frilly lace, pearls and a curious top-knot.
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Karlie Kloss Sure, Kloss makes her living by showing up and looking gorgeous -- but this looks awfully familiar, if not identical, to Gwyneth Paltrow's Tom Ford gown in 2012.
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Dakota Johnson The "50 Shades Darker" star landed an archive Gucci gown that photographs much better than it looked live walking down the carpet -- several Wrap staffers also remarked on her lackluster hair.
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Kirsten Dunst This Dior Couture creation is both flattering and dramatic with a modern twist -- sewn-in pockets.
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Michelle Williams Williams has always had a more romantic red carpet style -- but this Louis Vuitton gown is oversimplified to a fault. As an ambassador the brand you'd think they'd put a stronger look forward.
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Halle Berry This Grecian-inspired Atelier Versace gown gives Academy Award winner Berry the goddess vibe she's worthy of -- with a wild mane to match.
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Emma Roberts Not only is this Armani collection gown a nice '30s throwback, the dress was made from entirely sustainable materials.
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Taraji P. Henson The Best Actress nominee for "Hidden Figures" is a vamp of epic proportions in this Alberta Ferretti number.
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Mahershala Ali The "Moonlight" star looked sleek in all black -- all the better to complement his Oscar gold, as Ali won Best Supporting Actor.
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Auli'i Cravalho Cravalho, the voice of Disney's "Moana," gets her real-life princess moment in this stunning pleated creation with cinched waist and full train.
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Pharrell Williams The “Hidden Figures” music mastermind never disappoints with his personal style -- and breathes some much-needed life into Oscar menswear. Only possible downside to this tricked-out tux is its designer -- Meryl Streep enemy, Chanel.
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TheWrap sizes up Sunday’s Oscars red carpet style, from Jessica Biel to Taraji P. Henson
See TheWrap's ranking of Oscars fashion at Sunday's Academy Awards, from Alicia Vikander to Taraji P. Henson.