iStockOscar-winning screenwriter Sarah Polley was in for a shock this April Fools day, after receiving a letter asking for the award to be returned.
The letter, which turned up on Saturday morning, read: “We say this to you with the deepest regrets: the Oscar you received was given by mistake – you must return it.
“We are giving you one more week to enjoy its presence in your home, but after that period of time you must mail it back to LA, where we will give it to the rightful best adapted screenplay: All Quiet on the Western Front.
“We are sorry for your loss, but it is only fair that the play with the real best adapted screenplay gets the Oscar.”
It also said the film academy had realised its mistake on the night of the ceremony but wanted to avoid another “fiasco”, referencing La La Land being named winner of best picture during the 2017 ceremony instead of Moonlight.
The Canadian writer and director shared the letter on Twitter, adding her child had “swung low” for the occasion.
It was signed in a childish hand, claiming to be written by David Rubin, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Polley won her Academy Award for Women Talking, starring Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Whishaw and Frances McDormand, in Los Angeles last month.
All Quiet On The Western Front director, Edward Berger, also played along with the prank on Twitter.
He wrote: “Dear Sarah, to save on mailing costs as I live overseas the academy has asked me to provide you with my address so you can ship the Oscar directly. I will follow up shortly. Ok with you? All best, Edward.”
Polley replied: “My kid says to tell you that it’s already packaged and on its way.”
Berger added: “Thank you. Tracking number please. Would hate for it to get lost.”
All Quiet On The Western Front won four Oscars in March, including best international feature film, from nine nominations.
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