PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the famous accountancy firm that has overseen the counting of the Oscars ballots for 83 years, apologized on Monday for the announcement of the wrong best picture winner.
"We sincerely apologize to 'Moonlight,' 'La La Land,' Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, and Oscar viewers for the error that was made during the award announcement for Best Picture," PwC wrote in a statement. "The presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope and when discovered, was immediately corrected. We are currently investigating how this could have happened and deeply regret that this occurred."
It added, "We appreciate the grace with which the nominees, the Academy, ABC, and Jimmy Kimmel handled the situation."
In the live telecast to the world on Sunday, the Oscar night's biggest winner "La La Land" was announced as the best picture by "Bonnie and Clyde" actors Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Cast and producers of the film went on stage to give thank you speeches. But suddenly, they were stopped and informed "Moonlight" actually won.
"La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz marched up to the microphone to make an announcement.
"'Moonlight' won," he declared, "Guys, guys, I'm sorry. There's a mistake. This is not a joke."
Beatty then took the mic to explain "La La Land" was mistakenly announced because he and Dunaway received a wrong envelope that had Emma Stone's name on the card, who was actually the winner for best actress that had been announced minutes ago.
"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," Beatty said.
Horowitz later tweeted about the situation and wrote, "Humbled. And once again: congrats to 'Moonlight.' A truly beautiful picture made by some even more beautiful people."
