Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre saw an eventful evening on March 10, as the Oscars event unfolded here amid the Hollywood hustle. The highly anticipated awards event was no short of some exceptional moments — be it Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling’s banter, Billie Eilish’s exceptional singing, Robert Downey Jr.’s historic win, or Jimmy Kimmel’s mocking monologue — the audience got it all.
But in a rather unexpected incident, legend Al Pacino took a bold and unconventional step to present the Best Picture award at the Oscars. The 83-year-old icon received a standing ovation upon his entrance, but it was the twist he added to his announcement that left the internet buzzing.
Al Pacino Skips Nominees While Presenting The Most Important Award Of The Year
Oscars, being one of the most prestigious awards in Hollywood, have a lot of anticipation building about the winners every year. The award announcers traditionally keep up with the anticipation and build considerable suspense before announcing the awards — especially if it’s the important ones.
Presenters would typically list the nominees before revealing the winner. However, Pacino had a different agenda when he graced the stage. “Ten wonderful films were nominated, but only one will take the award for Best Picture—and I have to go to the envelope for that,” the 83-year-old actor said as he braced to announce the much-anticipated win for the Best Picture.
But instead of listing all the nominees, he cut straight to the chase when he opened the envelope. “My eyes see Oppenheimer,” he said. The audiences were taken aback by the sudden announcement, including the ‘Oppenheimer‘ cast itself.
the cast of Oppenheimer after hearing Al Pacino casually drop “my eyes see Oppenheimer?”#Oscars #Oscars2024pic.twitter.com/x8YTvBiGIR
— T (@teewatterss) March 11, 2024
A source told E! News reports that Pacino’s presenting style was a pre-planned creative direction. While some applauded the changed approach, some others did not take it well.
In case you missed it: “This Man Was Fed Up Of Marvel Capes***”: Fans Are Convinced Robert Downey Jr. Shaded MCU Films During Oscars Acceptance Speech For ‘Oppenheimer’
“Most Anti-Climactic Best Picture Announcement Ever”: Internet Divided Over Al Pacino’s Unique Announcement
The reaction from viewers was as varied as the films nominated. Social media went abuzz with mixed reaction to Al Pacino’s announcement style. One Oscar watcher on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed disappointment, calling it the “Most anti-climactic Best Picture announcement ever.”
Another wondered if Pacino had forgotten to announce the nominees. “Did Al Pacino just mess up the biggest category of the evening???” One more user slammed the actor, saying, “Al Pacino announced Best Picture like this was the first time he had ever heard of a film called Oppenheimer.”
Al Pacino announced Best Picture like this was the first time he had ever heard of a film called Oppenheimer. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/dq6hrtnwRK
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) March 11, 2024
However, not everyone was critical of Pacino’s twisted move. Some viewers found humor and charm in the chaos. “I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol,” one user wrote, while another jokingly called it an “Oscar-worthy performance in its own right.” A third viewer even admitted to screaming at their television in excitement.
I’m obsessed with the way Al Pacino announced Oppenheimer as Best Picture. couldn’t have been more chaotic or confusing lol
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 11, 2024
“Best Picture…uh, I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer?”#Oscars pic.twitter.com/a0hNQ4ZP7j
‘Oppenheimer‘ emerged victorious this year at the Oscars, beating out nominees like ‘American Fiction‘, ‘Barbie‘, and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon‘ for the coveted Best Picture title. The Christopher Nolan film ‘Oppenheimer‘ boasted an ensemble cast including Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh.
It also secured Christopher Nolan his first-ever Best Director Oscar. Besides, Murphy and RDJ clinched the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor titles, respectively.
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