Oscar tabulators PwC, in their 83rd year providing the service to the academy, apologized to all in a statement and are investigating why the most stunning mistake ever to befall the esteemed awards show happened Sunday night.
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Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, holding an incorrect envelope, wrongly presented the top prize to "La La Land," instead of "Moonlight."
PwC said in a statement Tweeted early Monday morning that presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope.
— PwC US (@PwCUS) February 27, 2017
When the firm's representatives realized the mistake, they raced onstage to right it, but too late, officials told The Associated Press. The result was a bizarre scene with the entire cast of both movies standing together on stage exchanging sympathetic awkward stares and hugs.
The crowd had to rouse itself from its stunned stupor to try to give "Moonlight" its just due for winning the big award. And as the credits rolled, usually bringing sweet relief after a long night, people appeared hesitant to leave in their disbelief.
PwC, formerly known as Price Waterhouse Coopers, is the accounting firm that counts votes and provides winner envelopes for the Oscars and has done so for more than 80 years.
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