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The Most Unexpectedly Moving Oscar Moment Was A Watch Commercial

Rolex spot features Bill Paxton, who died on Saturday.
Bill Paxton
Rolex
Bill Paxton

One of the most poignant moments of the Academy Awards each year is the “In Memoriam” tribute to those the industry has lost. But Sunday night’s ceremony featured a moving scene that was entirely accidental ― and it took place during a commercial break.

Actor Bill Paxton died on Saturday after complications from surgery. As coincidence would have it, he was also featured in a Rolex commercial celebrating film that aired during the awards show:

Jennifer Aniston also paid tribute to Paxton as she introduced the “In Memoriam” segment, which this year featured Sara Bareilles performing Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”

But for fans of Paxton, an audience favorite who had roles in blockbuster films such as “Aliens,” Titanic” and “Apollo 13,” the Rolex ad provided an unexpectedly emotional moment: