In perhaps the first time in Oscar history, best picture was mistakenly announced at the Academy Awards, with La La Land announced before Moonlight was ultimately confirmed as the winner. In an unprecedented mix-up, actor Warren Beatty had opened the envelope but hesitated to read out what it said inside, leaving it to actress Faye Dunaway to announce La La Land as the winner! Beatty later revealed the best picture winner was really coming-of-age story Moonlight that took the prize! Moonlight also won for best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor Mahershala Ali.
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| 'La La Land' producer Jordan Horowitz (L) holds up correct card; actor Warren Beatty (R) |
La La Land, the contemporary romance and ode to Hollywood musicals had dominated the Academy Awards up to that point and appeared headed for its seventh win over a record-tying 14 nominations. The film's director, 32-year-old Damien Chazelle, became the youngest ever to win a best director Oscar, while Emma Stone picked up best actress for her performance in the musical as an aspiring starlet. Casey Affleck's searing turn in Manchester By the Sea captured the best actor trophy. Later on in the evening Viola Davis earned the best supporting actress trophy for her role as a put-upon wife in Fences, reprising her Tony-winning role opposite Denzel Washington in his adaptation of the August Wilson play. READ MORE
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