Academy Apologizes For Oscars "Envelope Gate"

Nobody knew the Oscars could be so complicated. One of the biggest flubs in the show’s history — “La La Land” being mistakenly awarded Best Picture — is still being felt, and while the moment does have some silver linings, and shouldn’t overshadow the monumental achievement of “Moonlight,” there’s still the sense that there’s some explaining to do, and repercussions to follow. And the The Academy is promising just that.

Following a statement from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the group responsible for handling the envelopes on Oscar night, the Academy has offered their own official word on the evening, to sum it up in a nutshell, they’re sorry. Very, very sorry. Here’s what they had to say:

We deeply regret the mistakes that were made during the presentation of the Best Picture category during last night’s Oscar ceremony. We apologize to the entire cast and crew of La La Land and Moonlight whose experience was profoundly altered by this error. We salute the tremendous grace they displayed under the circumstances. To all involved — including our presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, the filmmakers, and our fans watching worldwide — we apologize.

For the last 83 years, the Academy has entrusted PwC to handle the critical tabulation process, including the accurate delivery of results. PwC has taken full responsibility for the breaches of established protocols that took place during the ceremony. We have spent last night and today investigating the circumstances, and will determine what actions are appropriate going forward. We are unwaveringly committed to upholding the integrity of the Oscars and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Seems to me the simple solution is not to have two sets of envelopes flying around backstage, or have the Managing Partner of PriceWaterhouseCoopers tweeting during the show, when he should be focused on making sure the whole process runs smoothly. But, that’s just me. Thoughts? Let us know in the comments section.