Accountants blamed for Oscars Best Picture mix-up 'won't work at ceremony again'
Presenters announced La La Land as Best Picture winner, when Moonlight had actually been awarded the prize
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The two accountants blamed for the Oscars Best Picture mix up will not work at the event again, the Film Academy president has said.
It is the first time Cheryl Boone Isaacs has spoken about the gaffe; one of the most embarrassing incidents in the Oscars 89-year history.
Brian Cullinan, who was working alongside his PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) colleague Martha Ruiz, mistakenly gave the wrong envelope to presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
Ms Boone Isaacs told the AP the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' relationship with PwC remains under review.
She blamed the error on Mr Cullinan being distracted with events backstage.
The presenters announced La La Land as Best Picture winner, when Moonlight had actually been awarded the prize.
Photos published by Variety appear to show Mr Cullinan mixing up envelopes before the Best Picture was announced, and also fiddling on his phone.
Earlier this week, PWC chairman Tim Ryan told the magazine: “He feels very, very terrible and horrible. He is very upset about this mistake.
“While I am concerned I hope we will be judged on how quickly we reacted and owned up to the issue.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments