HOLLYWOOD, USA (UPDATED) – PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accounting firm responsible for tabulating Oscar ballots, apologized for an "error" in the announcement of the best picture award Sunday, February 26, admitting Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope.
The embarrassing mix-up saw the Oscar incorrectly given to musical La La Land before the actual winner, coming-of-age drama Moonlight, was finally handed the prize.
"We sincerely apologize to Moonlight, La La Land, Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, and Oscar viewers for the error that was made during the award announcement for Best Picture," the company said in a statement. (WATCH: Confusion as 'Moonlight' wins Best Picture Oscar after 'La La Land' announced winner)
"The presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope and, when discovered, was immediately corrected," it added. (FULL LIST: Winners, Oscars 2017)
"We are currently investigating how this could have happened, and deeply regret that this occurred," it said, hailing the "grace" with which all concerned handled the situation.
The mistake made for a chaotic end to the film industry's biggest night, on which La La Land went home with 6 awards including best director, actress, score and song, to 3 for Moonlight. – Rappler.com