Al Pacino, who stirred controversy with abrupt announcement of the Best Picture award at Oscars 2024 and omitting the names other nominees, has issued official statement to clear the air.
The God Father actor broke his silence on Monday to defend himself amid backlash, which he received for omitting other nominees in the best picture category, while presenting the honour to Oppenheimer at the 96th Academy awards, held on Sunday.
“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,” began Al Pacino in his statement.
He continued, “I was honoured to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.”
Al Pacino further admitted, “I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful.”
The 83-year-old actor added “I say this as someone who profoundly relates with film-makers, actors and producers so I deeply empathise with those who have been slighted by this oversight and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement.”
For the unversed, Al Pacino announced the biggest award of the Oscars evening in an unconventional way, noting, “Best picture … uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”
However, the abrupt announcement sparked fans reaction, who thought this wasn’t the most ideal way to present the biggest award of the evening.
To note, Pacino is a nine-time Oscars nominee, and received the prestigious best actor award for his film Scent of a Woman.
