The 2024 Emmy Awards, a night intended to celebrate television's finest achievements, has been marred by a significant and emotional oversight. The ceremony's esteemed 'In Memoriam' segment, a poignant tribute to those the industry has lost, has sparked widespread outrage for its glaring exclusion of two British titans: music legend Ozzy Osbourne and acting royalty Dame Maggie Smith.
Viewers and fans took to social media in their droves to express their disbelief and disappointment. The segment, traditionally a heartfelt highlight, was criticised for its seemingly rushed pace and the omission of several key figures, with the absence of the Prince of Darkness and the Downton Abbey star felt most acutely.
A Wave of Fan Fury and Disbelief
The backlash was immediate and visceral. One dismayed fan voiced the collective sentiment online, stating, 'How do you forget THE Maggie Smith?!' Another questioned, 'No Ozzy Osbourne in the memoriam? For real?' The comments reflected a deep sense of injustice that such iconic and beloved contributors to television and culture could be overlooked.
Dame Maggie Smith, a revered figure of stage and screen with a career spanning over seven decades, was a mainstay of British television drama. Her unforgettable performances, particularly as the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, earned her multiple Emmy awards and a permanent place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Honouring an Unforgettable Legacy
Similarly, the failure to honour Ozzy Osbourne was seen as a profound misstep. While globally celebrated as the frontman of Black Sabbath, Osbourne's impact on television was enormous. The reality show The Osbournes was a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon that redefined the celebrity documentary format and left an indelible mark on early 2000s television.
The televised tribute, performed by Charlie Puth and accompanied by the duo The War and Treaty, did honour other late stars, including Angus Cloud from Euphoria and Norman Lear, the legendary television producer. However, the omissions have become the dominant talking point, overshadowing the intended respect.
This oversight at the Emmys serves as a stark reminder of the immense difficulty in curating these segments, but also of the deep connection audiences feel with the artists who have shaped their cultural landscape. The absence of Dame Maggie Smith and Ozzy Osbourne has left a palpable void, ensuring the 2024 In Memoriam will be remembered more for who it left out than who it included.
