Veteran Hollywood actor Al Pacino has clarified that not naming the nominees while announcing the best picture winner at the 96th Academy Awards was a deliberate choice made by the producers and not an unintentional mistake.

In a statement to the US media, Pacino stated, “There seems to be some controversy about my not mentioning every film by name last night before announcing the best picture award. I just want to be clear it was not my intention to omit them, rather a choice by the producers not to have them said again since they were highlighted individually throughout the ceremony.”

Pacino, chosen to announce the best picture winner at the 96th Academy Awards on Monday (IST), declared Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer as the winner without announcing the other nominees, sparking confusion among viewers.

“I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful. I deeply empathise with those who have been slighted by this oversight, and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement,” the Godfather actor added.

Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh took to Instagram to address another confusion regarding the presentation of this year’s best actress award. The Academy this year revived an old tradition wherein past winners took the stage to introduce the nominees in acting categories. Yeoh, who bagged the trophy last year for her performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, announced Emma Stone’s name as this year’s winner but handed over the trophy to Jennifer Lawrence — another past winner on stage — so she could give it to Stone.

“I confused you, but I wanted to share that glorious moment of handing over [your] Oscar to you together with your best friend Jennifer. She reminded me of my Bae Jamie Lee Curtis ♥️ always there for each other!! ,” the Tomorrow Never Dies actress wrote alongside photos from the ceremony.

The Oscars moment had left viewers puzzled, with some speculating on social media that it was an example of racism against Yeoh. However, Yeoh's clarification aimed to dispel any misconceptions and shed light on the positive intention behind the gesture.