Legendary actor Al Pacino’s presentation at the Oscars caused quite a stir as he deviated from the usual protocol of announcing nominees before revealing the winner.
The 83-year-old actor handed out the final trophy of the night, but instead of listing all 10 best picture nominees, he straightaway announced the winner as Oppenheimer.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, Pacino clarified that the decision not to read out the nominees was made by the show’s producers. Despite the confusion caused by his announcement, Pacino expressed empathy for those who may have felt slighted by the oversight.
The unexpected turn of events left the audience momentarily puzzled, with reporters backstage experiencing a moment of panic. However, the Oscars producer, Molly McNearney, defended the decision by citing the need to keep the show from running too long.
Nevertheless, Oppenheimer emerged as the night’s big winner, taking home the awards for best picture, best actor, best director, and best supporting actor. The ceremony garnered an estimated 19.5 million viewers, marking a ratings boost compared to recent years.
This year’s nominations featured more mainstream hits, such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, which may have contributed to the increased viewership.
Pacino, a revered figure in the acting world, won an Oscar for best actor in 1993 and remains a beloved icon in the industry.
