The fallout from this weekend’sBest Picture mishapcontinues, as The Academy revealed today that the accountants responsible for the mix-up will not return to the Oscars. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presidentCheryl Boone Isaacsconfirmed that Price Waterhouse Cooper accountantsBrian CullinanandMartha Ruizwill never work the Academy Awards again. The academy also apologized for another mishap that happened on Oscar Sunday, where the wrong picture was used during an In-Memoriam entry.
Associated Press revealed today that Academy PresidentCheryl Boone Isaacsfinally spoke about the mistake that happened this past Sunday, but there are no direct quotes attributed to her.Brian Cullinanwas directly responsible for the mix-up, handing the wrong card to presentersWarren BeattyandFaye Dunaway, which was a duplicate of the Best Actress card which revealed thatLa La LandactressEmma Stonewon that award. When theWarren Beattyopened the envelope, he seemed immediately confused, and it was later confirmed that he was holding the card for Best Actress, instead of the one for Best Picture. While theLa La Landproducers were giving their speeches, stage managers were seen on the stage, before producerJordan Horowitzrevealed thatMoonlighthad actually won Best Picture.
It was also revealed earlier today through backstage photos obtained by Variety, thatBrian Cullinanmay have been distracted, with the accountant posting a photo ofEmma Stoneon Twitter just moments before the presenters took the stage, although the photo was later deleted. Photos surfaced today ofBrian Cullinanon his phone back stage at 9:04 PM PST, which was just one minute before he sent out the now-deleted photo ofEmma Stone. Price Waterhouse Cooper chairmanTim Ryantold Variety howBrian Cullinanfeels about the mishap.
“He feels very, very terrible and horrible. He is very upset about this mistake. While I am concerned I hope we will be judged on how quickly we reacted and owned up to the issue.”
Cheryl Boone Isaacsalso told the Associated Press that the Academy’s 83-year partnership with the accounting firm Price Waterhouse Cooper is now “under review” following the incident. Price Waterhouse Cooper issued a statement on Monday, accepting full responsibility for the mishap, and that they are, “currently investigating how this could have happened”. In related news, The Academy took to Instagram today to apologize for theirIn Memoriammishap, where a photo of Australian producerJan Chapman, who is still alive, was used during the segment in an entry for late costume designerJanet Patterson. Here’s what the Academy had to say below on social media.
“We sincerely apologize to producer Jan Chapman, whose photo was mistakenly used in the Oscars “In Memoriam” tribute for her colleague and dear friend, the late Janet Patterson. Janet, an Academy member and four-time Oscar-nominated costume designer, was beloved in our community. We extend our deepest apologies and condolences to the Patterson family.”
The mishaps and the controversy certainly didn’t help the show out in terms of the ratings, with the bloated telecast, that spanned nearly four hours, earned thelowest ratingsin nine years with 32.9 million viewers, the second fewest in the show’s history. Aside from these two massive errors, the show was otherwise received quite well, withJimmy Kimmelearning praise from fans and critics alike for his work as the host. Still, despite all of his well-received gags, including snacks falling from the ceiling and a random tour group being lead into the Dolby Theater during the show, this year’sAcademy Awardswill always be marred by these Best Picture and In Memoriam mishaps. Take a look at the Academy’s Instagram photo below, which features the proper photo for the late costume designerJanet Patterson.
