Duo behind Oscar goof-up given bodyguards after death threats
The two PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants reportedly responsible for the Oscar best picture award goof-up have been given bodyguards after they received death threats on social media. Security at the residences of Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz has also been beefed up. TMZ reported that both accountants are fearing for their lives. Their home addresses and photos of their families were published in the media too.
'La La Land' announced as best picture instead of 'Moonlight'
During last Sunday's Oscars ceremony, 'La La Land' was mistakenly announced by actors Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the winner of the best picture award instead of 'Moonlight'. The team that made 'La La Land' was interrupted in the middle of their acceptance speech to reveal the real winner. This has been dubbed the biggest mistake in the Academy Awards' 89 years history.
Accountants gave wrong envelope to presenter
Two PwC accounts count the votes in advance and they know the winners in advance. Each accountant stands on either side of the stage and has a set of envelopes containing the winners' names to give to presenters. On Sunday, Cullinan mistakenly gave Beatty and Dunaway the envelope for best actress which said Emma Stone, La La Land, instead of best picture.
Errant accountants won't work on Oscars any more
Cullinan had tweeted a photo of best actress winner Emma Stone just minutes before handing the presenters the wrong envelope. PwC blamed the error on "distraction" and has taken full responsibility for it. PwC said neither Cullinan, nor Ruiz, would be employed to work on the Oscars again. TMZ reported that the duo won't be losing their PwC jobs.
