— PwC LLP (@PwC_LLP) February 27, 2017
PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has overseen the Academy's ballot-counting process for 83 years, has apologized for the mix-up at tonight's Oscars. As reported, presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty accidentally announced La La Land as the winner of Best Picture when, in fact, the award belonged to Moonlight.
"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," said PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The statement added: "The presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope and when discovered, was immediately corrected. We are currently investigating how this could have happened, and deeply regret that this occurred. We appreciate the grace with which the nominees, the Academy, ABC, and Jimmy Kimmel handled the situation."
The Hollywood Reporter states that PricewaterhouseCoopers traditionally provides two sets of winners' envelopes in briefcases that are sent to the Dolby Theatre, one briefcase for either side of the stage. As Warren Beatty explained on stage, he and Dunaway were mistakenly handed the envelope for Best Actress, which was won by La La Land's Emma Stone.
Thumbnail image via Kevin Winter/Getty.