Al Pacino had an interview with Variety to address the controversy surrounding the fact that he didn't read out the nominees before announcing the Best Picture winner.
AI Pacino left onlookers baffled after he announced Oppenheimer's win at the Oscars
During the Academy Awards ceremony held on Sunday (March 10), renowned actor Al Pacino, famous for his role in The Godfather, was tasked with presenting one of the most prestigious awards of the night - Best Picture.
Among the contenders for the Best Picture award, including, The Holdovers, American Fiction, The Zone of Interest, Barbie, Poor Things, Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, Maestro, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
However, rather than announcing the nominees as customary, Pacino proceeded directly to declare Oppenheimer as the winner, leaving many viewers perplexed.
He said: "I have to go to the envelope for that, and I will, here it comes.
"My eyes see Oppenheimer."
The video captured the moment AI Pacino read Oppenheimer's win at the Oscars, which gained attention on social media.
One person said: That new born been keeping him up all night . He’s tired, and ready to go home to bed.
A second wrote: They did same thing with best songs…they just flat announced it with no list… but I was like ohhhhhh
While a third commented: Everyone knew the movies that were nominated, he just had to say the winner ,, what’s the problem.
Someone else added: Yeah that was wierd. Those other 9 nominations deserve to be named in the final award of the night.
Another said: Al was fine, Kimmel reminded me why I stopped watching him and Fallon and the Oscars, what happened to just being funny without being political?
On social media, Ai Pacino faced criticism after he announced Oppenheimer's win at the Oscars
After the incident, AI Pacino has addressed the controversy surrounding this weekend's Oscars.
In response to the confusion and criticism surrounding his presentation style, AI Pacino apologized for this incident.
In the interview with Variety, AI Pacino was reported to explain why he didn’t read out nominees before announcing the Best Picture winner.
During the interview, AI Pacino expressed that he didn't intend to omit nominees at the Oscars.
According to AI Pacino, the producers request that he omit them.
He said: "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".
AI Pacino also apologized for this incident in the interview.
Additionally, AI Pacino expressed his respect for the nominees and extended an apology for any unintended offense caused.
Pacino went on: "I realize being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognized is offensive and hurtful.
"I say this as someone who profoundly relates with filmmakers, actors and producers so I deeply empathize with those who have been slighted by this oversight and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement." He added.
Additionally, Oscars producer Molly McNearney defended the decision, labeling it a 'creative choice' aimed at managing the length of the show.
She acknowledged the potential discomfort Pacino may have experienced as a result and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
