Taking Stock: PwC Oscar joke backfires, but Cullinan scoops best lookalike prize

Taking Stock: PwC Oscar joke backfires, but Cullinan scoops best lookalike prize

Chris Rock fails with PwC ‘bankers’ joke, but Big Four managing partner still managed to enjoy himself on the night

THE OSCARS were all about diversity this year, but it seems that host Chris Rock got a little carried away with the theme when introducing a Big Four accountancy firm to the stage.

Rock started off well with his opening monologue about Hollywood failing to give more opportunities to black actors, but shot himself in the foot later on in the evening when introducing representatives from official vote counters PwC.

The comedian caused controversy when bringing some PwC ‘bankers’ to the stage. Three children with Chinese and Jewish heritage dressed ‘as accountants’ and equipped with briefcases appeared on behalf of the accountancy firm.

“If anybody’s upset about that joke, just tweet about it on your phone that was also made by these kids,” teased Rock after the skit received mixed reactions from the audience and social media.

One person immediately tweeted: “Using little Asian kids to joke about math stereotypes and child labour isn’t funny.”

Despite the failed gag it wasn’t all bad news for PwC on Oscar night.

If managing partner Brian Cullinan decides to leave the professional services network he can make a fortune working as a Matt Damon lookalike.

Cullinan set social media alight with his uncanny resemblance to The Martian star, and even got to take a cheeky picture with the man himself.

 

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