PwC Oversees Accuracy of the Oscars® Balloting Process for 79 Years Running
PwC Oversees Accuracy of the Oscars® Balloting Process for 79 Years Running
21/2/2013 17:04
This year, PwC celebrates its 79th year leading the Oscars® balloting process on behalf of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Academy). The final voting begun on 8 February and completed ballots were due on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 (by 5 p.m. PT). PwC balloting leaders Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas will again oversee the tabulation and will be the only two people in the world who know the identity of the Oscar® winners before the Oscars live telecast on ABC at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) on Sunday, 24 February 2013.

PwC continues its traditional role of overseeing all aspects of the voting process: ensuring the integrity and validity of the balloting process, maintaining sole custody of all votes and tabulations, and remaining responsible for the confidentiality of the results.

PwC’s long-established system involves the precise tallying of every single ballot at a concealed location to maintain the utmost level of accuracy, objectivity and confidentiality. Oltmanns and Rosas lead a tight-lipped team of accountants who conduct the same ballot-counting method that they have used for decades. There has never been a single security breach in the 79 years that PwC has worked with the Academy and managed the balloting process.

“It’s great to be working with PwC - our trusted colleague - again, for the 79th consecutive year,” said Ric Robertson, Academy COO. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of PwC leading our balloting process for many years to come.”

Once the votes have been submitted and tabulated by PwC, Oltmanns and Rosas memorize every winner, and two briefcases are prepared with a complete set of envelopes bearing all the Oscar winners’ names. The briefcases are then brought by each of the PwC balloting leaders to the ceremony via separate, secret routes. During the live telecast, Oltmanns and Rosas remain backstage and hand each envelope to award presenters before they walk onstage.

“Overseeing the balloting process each year and maintaining PwC’s tradition of ensuring accuracy and secrecy has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my career,” said Brad Oltmanns, PwC partner and Oscars balloting leader since 2004. “Our work with the Academy for nearly eight decades is a testimony to our trusted partnership, and a real honour for PwC.”

“PwC has the utmost pride in working with the Academy,” said Rick Rosas, PwC partner and Oscars balloting leader since 2001. “Our involvement in such a prestigious event each year is the thrill of a lifetime and a testament to our work with the Academy through the years.”

Oscars nominations opened to voting members of the Academy on Monday, 17 December 2012, and nominees were announced on Thursday, 10 January 2013. Final ballots were available on 8 February 2013 and completed ballots were due on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 (by 5 p.m.).

For additional information, visit: www.pwc.com/balloting or follow us on Twitter @PwC_EntComm.

Related news

NEWSLETTER