Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sarah Polley ordered to hand back Oscar in April Foool’s Day prank

’The Oscar you received was given by mistake,’ letter read

Jacob Stolworthy
Sunday 02 April 2023 18:57 BST
Comments
Women Talking trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sarah Polley was left momentarily confused after receiving a letter asking her to return her recently won Oscar.

However, the writer-director, who shot to fame as an actor in the 1990s, swiftly realised the letter was written by the Academy, but by her 11-year-old child as part of an April Fools’ Day prank.

Sharing the letter on Twitter, Polley wrote: “My eleven-year-old swung low for April Fools Day this year.”

Polley won the Best Adapted Screenplay trophy for Women Talking last month, but the joke letter asked her to "mail it back to LA" so it can be given to "the rightful best adapted screenplay: All Quiet on the Western Front”.

The “letter” began: “We say this to you with the deepest regrets: the Oscar you received was given by mistake.”

Polley’s child went on to joke that bosses knew of their error at the time, but wanted to avoid another Moonlight/La La Land blunder, which saw the latter incorrectly named as winner of Best Picture.

"We feel it is wrong you get this on 1 April as you will probably think it is a joke, and we feel that is wrong, so another letter will be sent assuring you that this is not a joke,” the “letter” continued.

“This is much too cruel to be a joke, ergo we deeply apologise for any inconvenience we may have caused you.”

Sarah Polley’s child played a brilliant April Fools’ Day prank on the ‘Women Talking’ director
Sarah Polley’s child played a brilliant April Fools’ Day prank on the ‘Women Talking’ director (Twitter)

Polley’s Twitter replies were flooded with messages from followers praising her child’s comedic talent.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in