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Home • Oscars

'Moonlight' Loses, Then Wins Best Picture In Shocking Oscars Snafu

'Moonlight's' moment was nearly ruined by a huge mistake.
'Moonlight' Loses, Then Wins Best Picture In Shocking Oscars Snafu
Moonlight-Oscars
By Sydney Scott · Updated October 26, 2020

Barry Jenkins-directed Moonlight has earned the award for Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.

It was a big year for the Oscar-winning film, which took home awards at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Gotham Awards.

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The film received nominations for Best Original Score, best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Achievement in Directing, Editing, and Cinematography, with co-editor Joi McMillon becoming the first Black woman to be recognized in the editing category. Moonlight actor’s Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris also received nominations for their supporting roles.

However, the crew’s big moment didn’t come without drama and confusion. Actor Warren Beatty pulled a Steve Harvey, initially announcing La La Land as the winner.

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Jenkins, however, was cool and incredibly gracious about the mistake, acknowledging the cast of La La Land in his speech. 

Moonlight also took home the award for Best Adapted Screenplay as well as Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali.