Al Pacino Addresses Oscars ‘Controversy’ Over Not Naming Best Picture Nominees: It Was ‘a Choice By Producers’ and ‘I Empathize With Those Slighted By This Oversight’
variety.comZack Sharf Digital News Director Al Pacino has issued a statement amid questions surrounding his appearance during the 2024 Oscars ceremony, where he awkwardly presented the best picture category.
Pacino, who won an Academy Award for best actor in “Scent of a Woman,” did not list any of this year’s 10 nominees for best picture.
Instead, he simply opened the envelope and said: “And my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer.’” “There seems to be some controversy about my not mentioning every film by name last night before announcing the best picture award,” Pacino said in a statement. “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.
I was honored to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.” Pacino continued, “I realize being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognized is offensive and hurtful.
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