When presenting Best Picture, Al Pacino says he did as he was told

Al Pacino has responded to criticism regarding his presentation of the award for Best Picture at last night’s Academy Awards. Shuffling onto the stage with the Godfather theme playing behind him, the unassuming Oscar-winner appeared to go off script, ditching the customary reading of the nominees and jumping straight to tearing open the envelope. For those in attendance and those at home, his so-called slip-up allowed the show to end on time. But we must ask ourselves, at what cost?

Part of the confusion arose from Pacino’s insistence that, upon arriving at the microphone, “some Shakespeare, now I think, is in order,” giving the impression that Mr. Pacino wasn’t quite sure what to say, especially when he started his recitation of Hamlet’s famed soliloquy before censoring himself. What he didn’t do was the customary reading of the names of the 10 best picture nominees, and instead gave a blanket statement of “10 wonderful films were nominated, but only one will take the award for Best Picture.” He also appeared to stall by saying, “I have to go to the envelope for that, and I will. Here it comes. And my eyes see Oppenheimer.”

Pacino’s unsure delivery left viewers at home and in the room perplexed. Some, including Jimmy Kimmel, believed he didn’t know what he was doing. Later in the evening, the host remarked to Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, “It seemed like everyone in America knows the rhythm of how it’s supposed to go, down to ‘And the Oscar goes to… .’ But not Al Pacino! God bless him.” Alas, neither was the case.

In response to the criticism, Pacino released a statement to Deadline, clarifying that it was not his choice to nix reading each nominee’s name but a decision made by the show’s producers as the films were highlighted individually throughout the night.

“There seems to be some controversy about my not mentioning every film by name last night before announcing the Best Picture award. I just want to be clear it was not my intention to omit them rather a choice by the producers not to have them said again since they were highlighted individually throughout the ceremony. I was honored to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.”

Pacino acknowledged that an Oscar nomination is “a huge milestone” and to be denied recognition is “offensive and hurtful.” The actor said he “deeply” empathized with filmmakers, actors, and producers who “have been slighted by this oversight.” Our thoughts are with Bradley Cooper at this time.