Al Pacino’s viral announcement of the Best Picture winner at the 2024 Oscars has become the talk of the town. The legendary actor, who previously clinched the Best Actor award in 1993 for “Scent of a Woman,” took center stage to reveal the night’s most prestigious accolade, with a whopping 10 nominees in the running.
The audience erupted into a standing ovation as Al, known for his dramatic flair, approached the microphone. His opening words hinted at a Shakespearean touch, teasing the crowd with, “Some Shakespeare is in order. ‘To be’…I’m not going to do it.”
Dressed impeccably in a classic suit, Al continued, “Well, this is the time for the last award of the evening. It’s my honor to present it. Ten wonderful films were nominated, but only one will take the award for Best Picture.”
Seemingly following the script, Al then took an unexpected turn. “I have to go to the envelope for that. And I will. Here it comes. My eyes see Oppenheimer.” The declaration left the audience in an awkward pause, accompanied by a collective gasp of confusion. Al skipped naming the nominees altogether and jumped straight into announcing the winner.
As Al stood at the podium, reading from a paper envelope, the moment became a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. The unexpected announcement left Oppenheimer producer Emma Thomas visibly surprised, though not necessarily due to the victory itself.
The awkwardness continued as the customary reaction shots from other nominees were missing, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the already unconventional announcement. The tension was palpable as the film’s team eventually made their way to the stage, accompanied by the belated start of the planned musical interlude. Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, amidst a backdrop of applauding attendees, found themselves at the center of a peculiar Oscars moment that will undoubtedly be remembered for its unexpected twists and turns.
