Al Pacino has explained why he did not read out the names of all 10 best picture nominees at the Oscars, saying the show’s producers made the decision.
The veteran actor handed out the final trophy of the night, at Sunday’s star-studded event in Los Angeles.
But there was confusion when he abruptly announced the winner as Oppenheimer without first listing the nominees, as is customary.
“It was not my intention to omit them,” Pacino said in a statement.
Instead, the 83 year old said, it was “a choice by the producers not to have [the nominees] said again since they were highlighted individually throughout the ceremony”.
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In his statement, which was issued on Monday afternoon, the Oscar-winning actor added that he “chose to follow” the way the producers wanted the award to be presented.
“I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful,” Pacino said.
“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.”
Pacino’s announcement meant the night ended on a confusing note, with none of the usual fanfare around the night’s biggest prize.
Opening the envelope, he mumbled “my eyes see ‘Oppenheimer’,” leaving the audience momentarily confused as to whether the film had actually won.