PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) representatives Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz did not lose their jobs or get demoted after the Oscars mix-up over the best picture announcement. Many people on social media suggested they be fired. Others recommended they be demoted. Neither of those suggestions happened. Instead, they both have been banned from ever working the awards show again, according to Academy Awards president Cheryl Boone Isaacs. She announced the decision on Wednesday, March 1 which was four days after the mistake was made.
Pwc's 83-year relationship
PwC released a statement late Sunday night and another on Monday that the firm takes full responsibility for the mistake during the Oscar show. However, the future of PwC is up in the air after 83 years of having a relationship with the Academy Awards during the show's 89-year history.
This was the first mistake the firm has made for tallying and revealing Oscar winners since they were hired over eight decades ago. Even so, Boone Isaacs said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ relationship with PwC remains under review.
Cullinan was distracted
It was determined that Brian Cullinan was distracted backstage. This caused him to hand over the wrong envelope that led to the worst mix-up in Oscars history.
"La La Land" was mistakenly announced as best picture when "Moonlight" actually won. The accountant tweeted a photo of Emma Stone backstage just minutes after winning her award for best actress. He inadvertently gave presenters the wrong envelope for best picture.
People are wondering why his colleague, Martha Ruiz, was also punished by being permanently removed from working at the awards show when it was Cullinan who was distracted by meeting celebrities and being on social media when he was told not to do so.
The "Bonnie and Clyde' co-stars, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, were not blamed at all for the mix-up. Praises have gone out for "La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz for quickly pointing out the mistake, something the accountants should have been quick to do.
Death threats
It has been reported that death threats have gone out against the erring accountants and their families.
Therefore, PricewaterhouseCoopers firm has hired body guards to protect the two employees. PwC told NBC News that personal information, including pictures of their houses, were posted online. Little did Cullinan and Ruiz know that their lives would change so drastically to the point of receiving death threats and online abuse.
