Cheryl Boone Isaacs - Getty - H 2017
Kevin Winter/GettyIn the wake of the ultra-dramatic 89th Oscars, Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs has sent a note to Academy members, telling them “changes will be implemented to ensure this never happens again.”
In addressing what she calls “the rather chaotic ending of the show,” Boone Isaacs notes “the failure of PwC’s accountants to follow established protocols and their delay in immediately remedying the situation.” Adding that “PwC has accepted full responsibility for the error,” she reassures members that changes will be made to make sure nothing similar happens in the future.
However, rather than focusing on what went wrong, Boone Isaacs offers praise for how those affected dealt with the unforeseen event, citing “the professionalism of the crew and stage managers, led by Rob Paine”; “the spirit and enthusiasm of all the presenters, including Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway“; and that of the filmmakers, “especially those from Moonlight and La La Land.” Writes Boone Isaacs, “The grace and humility they demonstrated onstage, with the world watching, shows the strength of the bond that connects all the artists in our community.”
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Calling this year’s broadcast, “one of the best — and certainly most dramatic and talked about — Oscar ceremonies of all time,” she said she was proud of the work and effort of all involved, starting with producers Jennifer Todd and Michael De Luca.
Boone Isaacs goes on to list the show’s many high points from Jimmy Kimmel’s “impeccable and effortless hosting job” to Justin Timberlake’s “electric opening number” to “the acceptance speeches that touched our hearts.”
She also offered Academy members a two-minute video of highlights from the show that includes brief clips of the best picture drama. “And then this happened,” the video reads before showing La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz announcing that Moonlight won. And the video then flashes the message, “And that led to a moment of grace and humanity,” as Moonlight director Barry Jenkins is shown accepting the award.
The text of her message follows:
