Los Angeles, California – Al Pacino faced criticism for not reading out all 10 best picture nominees at the Oscars. Pacino clarified that the decision was made by the show’s producers, not him, as he presented the final award of the night.
The veteran actor created confusion when he announced the winner, Oppenheimer, without listing the nominees beforehand, as is customary. Pacino explained that it was the producers’ choice to forgo listing the nominees again, as they had been highlighted individually throughout the ceremony.
In a statement issued the next day, Pacino expressed his understanding of the significance of being nominated and the hurt caused by not being fully recognized. The decision to omit the nominees led to an unexpected conclusion to the night’s festivities, without the usual excitement and fanfare surrounding the best picture award.
Despite the mix-up, Oppenheimer emerged as the big winner of the night, sweeping multiple categories including best picture, best actor for Cillian Murphy, best director for Christopher Nolan, and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.
The live television moment left many viewers and attendees puzzled, with some likening it to the chaotic mix-up during the 2017 awards ceremony. However, Pacino’s handling of the situation garnered mixed reactions, with some acknowledging the unpredictability of live broadcasts.
The 96th Academy Awards attracted an estimated 19.5 million viewers, the highest figure in four years but still falling short of past viewership numbers. This year’s nominations included a mix of popular hits like Barbie and Oppenheimer, a departure from the more art-house films typically recognized in recent ceremonies.
Pacino, a revered figure in the acting world, previously won an Oscar for best actor in 1993 for his role in Scent of a Woman. Despite the controversy surrounding the announcement of the best picture winner, the ceremony overall showcased a diverse range of films and talent, reflecting the evolving landscape of the film industry.