I did applaud Jenny Beavan at the Oscars: Alejandro Inarritu

LONDON: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who won the best director Oscar for "The Revenant", has defended himself in the face of criticism for not applauding costume designer Jenny Beavan as she made her way to the stage to pick up her award.

In a widely-circulated clip - the Vine has been viewed over 38 million times - Inarritu is among a number of attendees who are shown not to be clapping, instead regarding Beavan with what many have interpreted as disdain.

The 52-year-old director has called earlier suggestions that he hadn't out of malice "mean-spirited and false", reported The Guardian.



Jenny Beavan (Image: AFP)


"I think Jenny Beavan is a masterful costume designer and very deserving of the Oscar for 'Mad Max: Fury Road'," he said.

Inarritu also sent a gif (video) showing that he did clap later, as Beavan made her way up the steps to the stage, where she was presented with the award by Cate Blanchett.

"By editing and omitting the full reality and suggesting I felt anything but admiration is mean-spirited and false. What you don't see in the 10 second clip being circulated is my applause for Jenny as she ascended the stairs to the stage," he said.

"I've learned a lot this awards season, that I should never cross my arms when I am sitting down."

Inarritu's film took three Academy Awards at the ceremony - best director, best cinematography (for Emmanuel Lubezki) and best actor (for Leonardo DiCaprio).



Alejandro Inarritu (Image: AFP)

It missed out on the best picture award to "Spotlight".

Beavan, who celebrated her second Oscar win (the first was for 'A Room with a View'), has subsequently said she didn't mind the response.


Also read: Oscars 2016: Alejandro Iñárritu wins best director award for 'The Revenant'