Turns out Al Pacino didn't actually mess up at the Oscars, after all

The legendary actor didn't make a mistake by not recapping the nominees

It has been hailed by many as one of the most anti-climactic moments in recent Oscars history - but it turns out that Al Pacino is (mostly) blameless for his role in announcing the winner of the Best Picture on Sunday night.

As you may have seen, the 83-year-old actor took to the stage to announce the biggest category on the night - but failed to read the nominees ahead of apparently fluffing the announcement that 'Oppenheimer' had won.

"Ten wonderful films were nominated, but only one will take the award for best picture," he said, before saying "I have to go to the envelope for that, and I will. Here it comes. And... my eyes see... Oppenheimer. Yes. Yes."

Now, it turns out that although he could have built a little tension and drama into the announcement, Pacino was simply following the script and there was never meant to be a recap of the Best Picture nominees at that point - as there had been segments featuring each of the nominated films played throughout the ceremony.

The legendary actor has now released a statement explaining what happened. "There seems to be some controversy about my not mentioning every film by name last night before announcing the best picture award," it read. "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.  I was honored to be a part of the evening and chose to follow the way they wished for this award to be presented.

He added: "I realize being nominated is a huge milestone in one’s life and to not be fully recognized is offensive and hurtful. I say this as someone who profoundly relates with filmmakers, actors and producers so I deeply empathize with those who have been slighted by this oversight, and it’s why I felt it necessary to make this statement."

Oscars producer Molly McNearney also told Variety: "We did not give him a clip package. We did not give him nominations to read. I apologize if our decision to not have to read through all those nominations put him in a tough spot."

You're off the hook this time, Al.