Northwestern alumnus’ film wins 6 awards, hands over best picture at 2017 Oscars

Yvonne Kim, Assistant Campus Editor

Northwestern alumnus Jordan Horowitz (Communication ’02) was at the center of an Oscar mix-up at the 2017 Academy Awards, as “La La Land” lost best picture after winning in six other categories.

Horowitz, 36, was one of the youngest producers nominated at this year’s Academy Awards. By the end of the night, “La La Land” — co-produced by Horowitz, Fred Berger, Gary Gilbert and Marc Platt — had won six of its 14 nominations.

As the show was coming to an end, “La La Land” was announced winner of the best picture category, before the announcement was corrected in a moment of bewilderment. After Horowitz and Platt had given their speeches, they learned of an envelope mix-up and informed the audience that they had, in fact, lost.

“Guys, guys, I’m sorry. No. There has been a mistake,” Horowitz said to the audience. “‘Moonlight,’ you guys won best picture. This is not a joke.”

The cast of “Moonlight” then accepted the best picture award.

“I’m going to be really proud to hand this to my friends from ‘Moonlight,’” Horowitz said.

In addition to best picture, “Moonlight” also won in the categories of best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor.

“La La Land” tied the record for most nominations received by a single film, along with “Titanic” in 1997 and “All About Eve” in 1950. The film ultimately took home awards for best actress, director, original music score, cinematography, production design and song.

Earlier this year, “La La Land” won a record number of most Golden Globe wins with seven awards Jan. 8.

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