Legendary actor Al Pacino has spoken out following the controversy surrounding his presentation of the Best Picture award at the 2024 Oscars. The actor, known for his roles in iconic films like “Scarface” and “The Godfather,” went against tradition by not naming each of the nominated films before announcing the winner, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Pacino explained that it was a creative decision made by the producers to save time, as all the nominees had been highlighted throughout the ceremony.
In a statement to The Post, Pacino expressed his respect for filmmakers and actors who work hard to create award-worthy films, acknowledging that not mentioning the other nominees may have been offensive to those who were not fully recognized. The actor, who was a last-minute replacement for his “Scarface” co-star Michelle Pfeiffer, was supported by Oscar producers who defended their decision to streamline the presentation to prevent the show from running long.
Pacino’s abrupt announcement during the ceremony surprised many in attendance at LA’s Dolby Theatre, but ultimately “Oppenheimer” took home the top prize, beating out other nominees like “American Fiction” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The actor’s statement sheds light on the behind-the-scenes decision-making that led to the unique presentation of the award, sparking a conversation about the importance of acknowledging all nominees in the prestigious Best Picture category at future Oscars ceremonies.
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