Al Pacino says he was told by Oscars producers not to read out the nominations for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
The legendary actor received an ovation as he took to the stage at the ceremony to present the award for Best Picture.
The nominations in that category were Oppenheimer, The Holdovers, American Fiction, The Zone of Interest, Barbie, Poor Things, Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, Maestro and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Normally, the presenter reads out the nominations, but Pacino didn't which confused many fans and attendees.
But, he insists that wasn't his decision.
"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," the Academy Award winner explained in a statement.
Full list of Oscar winners as Oppenheimer dominates the categories
"I was honoured to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.
"I realise being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognised is offensive and hurtful.
"I say this as someone who profoundly relates with filmmakers, actors and producers so I deeply empathise with those who have been slighted by this oversight and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement."
Oppenheimer was the big winner of the evening, taking home Best Picture, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. among other awards.
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