Academy says sorry for In Memoriam reel gaffe

Organisers of the Oscars have said sorry to Australian producer Jan Chapman and the family of Janet Patterson, after is mistakenly showed a picture of Chapman during its In Memoriam section on Sunday night.

The tribute was supposed to be for Janet Patterson, the Oscar-nominated costume designer who died last year.

But instead a picture of Chapman was used, but with Patterson’s name.

“We sincerely apologize to producer Jan Chapman, whose photo was mistakenly used in the Oscars ‘In Memoriam’ tribute for her colleague and dear friend, the late Janet Patterson,” read a statement posted yesterday on Instagram.

“Janet, an Academy member and four-time Oscar-nominated costume designer, was beloved in our community. We extend our deepest apologies and condolences to the Patterson family.”

The apology was made over 48 hours after the Oscars was televised.

Speaking to Variety after the show, Chapman said: “I was devastated by the use of my image in place of my great friend and long-time collaborator Janet Patterson.

“I had urged her agency to check any photograph which might be used and understand that they were told that the Academy had it covered.

“Janet was a great beauty and four-time Oscar nominee and it is very disappointing that the error was not picked up.

“I am alive and well and an active producer.”

Chapman and Patterson worked on a number of movie projects together, including Jane Campion’s ‘The Piano’ in 1993.

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