Detroit's very own Shinola received a shoutout during the 91st Academy Awards ceremony Sunday.
"Green Book" won for best original screenplay. As director Peter Farrelly went to accept the award, he gave a shoutout to the Detroit brand.
While running down a list of thank yous, Farrelly points to his arm and says, "... and Shinola watches. Unbelievable, they're saving Detroit."
Shinola has released a statement regarding the Oscars shoutout:
“We’d like to congratulate Peter Farrelly on his Oscar win for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. Peter has been a friend of the brand for years and the Shinola shout-out during his speech was completely unplanned and unexpected. While we are so thankful for the love we did want to make it clear that without the city of Detroit, there would be no Shinola. The city gave our brand life and it’s something we will never take for granted.”
Some Twitter users appreciated Farrelly shining light on the Detroit business.
@Shinola getting a solid shout out at the Oscars
— Josh Appel (@Josh_Appel95) February 25, 2019
Cool shout out by Peter Farrelly on the Oscar stage to @Shinola ‘…for saving Detroit…’@russellcrowe
— Catherine Gallagher (@CGeee) February 25, 2019
And others were puzzled about why the business, which makes and sells luxury watches, bicycles and leather products, got a shoutout in the first place. Users especially questioned how exactly Shinola is "saving Detroit."
I’m confused. What even prompted Peter Farrelly to bring up @Shinola or Detroit? Did I miss context?
— Adam Rubenfire (@arubenfire) February 25, 2019
Green Book director Peter Farrelly shouts out Shinola at the #Oscars: “They’re saving Detroit!” 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Rli9HXFhjJ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 25, 2019
Shinola watches are nice, but they aren’t “saving” Detroit and for record neither is Dan Gilbert. The Detroiters who have stayed and fought like hell for their city are “saving” Detroit. #oscars
— Lonnie Scott (@LonnieScott) February 25, 2019
