Oscars gaffe: PwC consultant Brian Cullinan behind La La Land mix-up

“Guys, guys, I’m sorry. No”.

La La Land filmmakers had already begun thank-you speeches on the stage before the error was dramatically announced and the best picture award was handed to the rightful victor, Moonlight. The “In Memoriam” segment included the photo of someone who’s still alive, and in January, when the Academy Awards were announced, Amy Adams was listed instead of Ruth Negga in the Best Actress category on the Oscars mobile site. By the time the mistake had been fully realised, the La La Land crew had already begun their speech. People were pacing, envelopes were consulted, whispering was conducted.

“This is not a joke – Moonlight has won Best Picture”, another producer said. And not just for the movie industry worldwide -it’s a cultural spectacle that involves fashion, politics, movies and above everything else, art together in a neat little bow!

While the “La La Land” cast was onstage hugging one another and giving their speeches, producer Jordan Horowitz stopped short and announced suddenly that “Moonlight” had won. “Excitement but confusion. I think everyone is just so excited for Moonlight”. “Someone has the guts to do what Adele should have actually gone through with when she teased at it at the Grammys”. And four of the five best documentary nominees also were directed by black filmmakers. “This is not a joke”, offered multiple La La Land producers. Stone starred, as best picture. “I listened to Denzel, as you should”. As Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the Film Academy’s annual gala on Sunday, said on Monday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live: “Except for the end, it was a lot of fun!” “I wasn’t trying to be amusing”. The ceremony was looking classy and glamorous as usual, until the Best Picture Award announcement turned into chaos.

“It was unfortunate that things happened as they did but, goddamn, we won best picture”, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins later told reporters. In reality, however, Beatty was given a duplicate copy of the envelope containing Stone’s name as best actress. “At that point it was not about me, it was about making sure Moonlight got the recognition it really deserves”.

Talk about a Hollywood ending. This is what all TV is for.