FIRST OFF . . .

The post-Oscar question of the week: What did happen during the snafu with best actor presenter Bette Davis during the awards? A member of the academy board of governors, who declined to be named, offered this insight: “Basically, the technology moved faster than she did.” When Davis hesitated before announcing first nominee Bob Hoskins, director Marty Pasetta started the reel of film clips. By the time Davis said Hoskins’ name, clips for “The Color of Money” nominee Paul Newman were being shown. “So Marty, not wanting to confuse anybody, just cut Bette’s mike, so none of the nominee’s names were heard after that.” As for her remarks in the midst of academy president Robert Wise’s acceptance speech for absentee winner Newman, the academy official said: “Bette is still Bette, if she wants to say something--she will.” Pasetta felt forced to move the show--then in overtime--forward and again cut off her mike. “Everyone was embarrassed--including Chevy (Chase) and Goldie (Hawn),” on stage for the next award. Davis refused to comment Wednesday. The Monday-night live telecast was further lengthened by best-picture presenter Dustin Hoffman’s extemporaneous speech, in which he mentioned his latest film “Ishtar.” “When he started, I looked at the Teleprompter,” the official said. “But none of what he said was there.”