Michelle Pfeiffer Regrets Missing 40-Year Reunion with Al Pacino at 2024 Oscars

"Scarface" 20th Anniversary Re-release Celebration, Michelle Pfeiffer, Al Pacino

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Al Pacino missed the chance to greet Michelle Pfeiffer at the 2024 Oscars. Both were set to appear as presenters at the ceremony on Sunday, March 10. However, Pacino ended up presenting Best Picture alone to Oppenheimer as the final award of the night. Pfeiffer, aged 65, was unable to attend due to personal family reasons, as reported by Deadline. It was challenging for her to travel across the country in time for the annual event held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Pacino received a warm welcome with a standing ovation when he appeared on stage, while his Godfather co-star Robert De Niro cheered him on from the audience.

Last month, it was announced that Pfeiffer and Pacino would be attending this year's Academy Awards. Interestingly, this presenting opportunity came shortly after the Scarface 40-year reunion. The pair portrayed Tony Montana and Elvira Hancock in the crime drama, which was first released in December 1983. (Scarface was a remake of the 1932 film with the same title.)

In December 1983, the duo played the roles of Tony Montana and Elvira Hancock in the crime drama Scarface, a remake of the 1932 film of the same name.

For Pfeiffer, Scarface was a major milestone in her Hollywood career and marked the start of her enduring friendship with Pacino. Despite this, the actors initially didn't hit it off.

"He didn’t really think I was right for the role," Pfeiffer confessed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2017, talking about Pacino. "I mean, my last film was Grease 2. Who could blame him?"

Throughout the extensive audition process, Pfeiffer was able to showcase her acting skills.

Pfeiffer remembered feeling terrified and very young when she auditioned for the role. She knew the director, Brian de Palma, didn't want her, which only made her more scared as time went on. However, despite de Palma's initial doubts, he was actually "rooting" for her to land the part. Unfortunately, her nerves got the best of her and things didn't work out initially.

A month later, Pfeiffer received a call for a screen test. She had initially felt like she had no chance of getting the role, so she wasn't as scared this time around.

During the audition, I did a scene in a restaurant where I completely lost control. I was throwing dishes, breaking things, and causing chaos. Everyone was worried about me because there was blood everywhere. But when they checked me, they couldn't find any cuts. It turns out, Al Pacino was the one who got cut. I accidentally cut Al Pacino during the audition, and that's how I got the part.

Nearly a decade after they worked together on Scarface the duo reunited onscreen for 1991’s Frankie and Johnny where they played love interests once again.

Editor's P/S:

The 2024 Oscars witnessed a missed opportunity for a reunion between iconic actors Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. While Pacino took the stage to present Best Picture alone, Pfeiffer's absence due to personal family reasons cast a shadow on the anticipated moment. The pair's long-standing friendship, forged during the filming of "Scarface" in 1983, made their presence all the more poignant.

Despite their initial reservations about each other, Pfeiffer's audition for "Scarface" proved to be a pivotal moment. Her intense performance, which included an accidental cut to Pacino, ultimately secured her the role. The incident not only marked the beginning of their collaboration but also a lasting bond that has endured for decades. Their subsequent reunion in "Frankie and Johnny" further solidified their connection, showcasing their undeniable chemistry on screen.