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Presenter Pacino with “Best Film” envelope: “And my eyes see…”
Photo: Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP
The announcement of the best film of the year is the traditional highlight of the Oscar Gala.
It is customary to acknowledge all nominees, perhaps with film clips.
Then a bit of drum roll, the tension rising before the envelope is opened.
Hollywood star Al Pacino did things a little differently as a presenter - and caused irritation and laughter with his awkward award announcement.
Instead of listing the ten works nominated for “Best Film” and then ceremoniously announcing the winner of the most important category of the evening, the star of the classic “The Godfather” announced the winning film very briefly and in an awkward manner.
“Well, this is the time for the last award of the evening,” said the 83-year-old on Monday night.
»And it is an honor to present it.
Ten wonderful films have been nominated, but only one will win Best Picture.
And for that I have to push the envelope." There was laughter in the audience as he continued: "And that's what I'm going to do.
There he comes.
And my eyes see "Oppenheimer." At this point, music began and the crowd cheered.
Pacino's performance naturally sparked ridicule and memes on the Internet.
After the gala, Oscar Academy Chairman Bill Kramer was asked about Pacino's performance.
The New York Times quotes Kramer as saying, “Everything went wonderfully.”
He said to Pacino: "He was just having a little fun up there."
Feb/dpa