Thank you to gay partner edited out of Oscars transcript

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Scott Rubin thanked several people on Sunday when he collected an Oscar for Best Picture for No Country For Old Men, which he produced.

The 49-year-old, after name-checking the film’s directors Joel and Ethan Coen and producer Sydney Pollack, paid tribute to “my partner, John Barlow. Without you, honey, this is just hardware.”

Theatre publicist Barlow was at the ceremony, but was not honoured with a close-up when his name was mentioned, as is common practice when heterosexual spouses are similarly praised.

On slate.com Dana Stevens drew a comparison with a same-sex kiss at the 2007 Oscars ceremony:

“When Melissa Etheridge won for Best Song last year, she gave her wife, Tammy Lynn Michaels, an on-camera kiss, but they’re women, and attractive blondes to boot.

“I guess being publicly gay at the Oscars is still no country for old men. But maybe next year.”

Others questioned why the official press transcript from the Oscars website initially excluded the reference to Mr Barlow from Mr Rudin’s speech.

The transcript was later altered to include his same-sex sentiments.

Scott Rudin is one of Hollywood’s most prolific producers, having been responsible for bringing scores of hit movies to the screen.

He is also one of the few successful out producers in the industry.

To watch Scott Rudin’s acceptance speech SCROLL DOWN.