The mistake at the end of the Academy Awards was not the only mistake that happened at the Dolby Theater on Sunday, February 26 when "La La Land" was declared the winner for best picture instead of the actual winner --"Moonlight." Two other mistakes were noticed in the "In Memoriam" portion of the awards ceremony.
'In Memoriam'
The "In Memoriam" segment included the photo of a woman who is very much alive. Janet Patterson was a costume designer who died in October 2016. Her name and profession were correct, but the photo belonged to Jan Chapman, an Australian producer who is very much alive.
This came up in the In Memoriam section at #Oscars2017. But isn't this (living) Australian film producer Jan Chapman? pic.twitter.com/YKIMGBUv5E
— David Berthold (@DavidBerthold) February 27, 2017
Needless to say, Chapman was very upset about the mix-up. She said she was devastated that her picture was used instead of her friend's photo. She concluded that she is very much alive and well and an active producer. Patterson was a four-time Oscar nominee whose work included films like "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Piano."
Second mistake or deliberate?
A second incident might have been an oversight. Patricia Arquette is speaking out because her sister, Alexis Arquette was not recognized. Patricia said she was disappointed but not surprised that her transgender sister was not included.
She claims that trans people are ignored all the time. She pointed out to Entertainment Tonight's Carly Steel at the Vanity Fair after party that her sister died on September 11 at the age of 47. Alexis died from a heart attack and had battled HIV for 29 years. Patricia added that her sister was a great actor who had 70 credits, including major movies like “The Wedding Singer” and “Pulp Fiction.”
Alexis was born Robert Arquette and was well known for gender transitioning.
She supported other people who were making similar choices, including Chaz Bono who transitioned from 2006 to 2008
Patricia believes it was not an oversight but a deliberate attempt to snub her sister. She said she thought if her Alexis had been included, it would have provided a powerful message to transgender children.
As of now, the Academy has not responded to these two incidents surrounding the "In Memoriam" portion of the program that was presented by an emotional Jennifer Aniston.
