Oscars auditors apologise for Best Picture mix-up

February 28, 2017 | 15:42

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HOLLYWOOD: PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the accounting firm responsible for tabulating Oscar ballots, apologised for an "error" in the presentation of the best picture award on Sunday (Feb 26), saying Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope.

Producer Jordon Horowitz holds up the card for the Best Picture winner Moonlight. (Photo source : Reuters/Lucy Nicholson)

The embarrassing mix-up saw the Oscar incorrectly given to musical "La La Land" before the actual winner, coming-of-age drama "Moonlight," was finally handed the prize.

"We sincerely apologise 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," the company said in a statement.

"The presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope and, when discovered, was immediately corrected," it added. "We are currently investigating how this could have happened, and deeply regret that this occurred."

The mistake made for a chaotic end to the film industry's biggest night, on which "La La Land" went home with six awards including best director, actress, score and song, to three for "Moonlight."

AFP/ REUTERS

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