The Enigma of Oscar Winners: Are Nominees in the Dark Until the CEREMONY?
One of the most tantalizing questions in the world of entertainment is whether Oscar nominees get to know the winners before the night of the ceremony. The answer is a resounding no, but the story behind this secrecy is far more complex and fascinating than you might think.
The Academy's Small Team and the Art of Secrecy
Contrary to the grandeur and public recognition of the Academy Awards, the organization itself is quite small. The Academy employs a mere 255 people, which means that the voting and certification process is managed in a manner more akin to a small business than a major film industry event. This structure is crucial to maintaining the integrity and mystery surrounding the results of the Oscars.
Who Reveals the Winners?
The winners of the Academy Awards are determined through a secret ballot election conducted by Academy members. However, the identity of the winners must be disclosed publicly, and this is where the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) comes into play. PwC has a team of employees who are responsible for counting the votes, printing the names of the winners, and preparing the sealed envelopes that are opened on stage during the ceremony.
The Role of PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited International has a vast number of employees across various countries, but only an undisclosed and extremely small number of them are involved in the voting process. These individuals are responsible for maintaining the secrecy and integrity of the awards. This strict confidentiality ensures that the winners are only revealed to the world at the live broadcast of the Academy Awards.
Why is This Information So Closely Guarded?
The strict “need to know” policy is designed to prevent any potential leaks or insider trading. The identities of the individuals involved in conducting the election are heavily restricted, even within the Academy and PwC. This level of secrecy is essential to ensuring that the awards remain a surprise to the public and the nominees alike.
A Case in Point: The 41st Academy Awards (1969)
The 1969 Academy Awards provided a memorable example of the importance of this secrecy. Ingrid Bergman, a renowned actress, was preparing to present the Best Actress award. As she was handed the sealed envelope containing the winners' names, she was instructed by the PwC representative to carefully read the entire statement on the enclosed card. This card contained the names of the nominees and the winner.
The Tie in the Best Actress Category
Bergman proceeded to the stage, where she read out the nominees. The moment she opened the envelope, her voice faltered, and there was a brief moment of uncertainty evident on her face before she announced, "It's... a tie." This was only the second and last time that a Best Actress tie has occurred in the modern era. Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn both won the award that year for their performances in the films Funny Girl and The Lion in Winter, respectively.
Conclusion
The secrecy surrounding the winners of the Academy Awards is not just a matter of tradition or showmanship; it's a carefully orchestrated process to ensure the integrity and excitement of the event. The small team of PwC employees and Academy staff who know the winners in advance are sworn to strict confidentiality, and this has led to some memorable moments in the history of the Oscars. The eventual revelation of these winners, in front of a live audience and the world, only adds to the drama and anticipation surrounding the event.