The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony delivered one of its most emotionally charged broadcasts in recent memory, with a poignant In Memoriam segment honouring Hollywood luminaries who passed away over the preceding year. However, the tribute's omissions quickly overshadowed its inclusions, as fans noted the absence of several high-profile figures, including French film icon Brigitte Bardot.
Notable Exclusions from the Oscars Tribute
While the expanded In Memoriam segment paid respects to previous winners like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, as well as nominee Rob Reiner, it failed to feature Bardot, who died in December at age 91. The actress, renowned for roles in films such as The Truth and Viva Maria!, retired from acting in 1973 and later became a controversial figure due to her far-right political activism. Her recent tribute at the César Awards in France was met with audience boos and accusations of racism, leading some to speculate that this backlash influenced her omission from the Oscars.
Other Snubbed Stars and Industry Reactions
Also missing from the tribute were Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek, who died in February at 48 after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, and Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane, who passed away at 53 following an ALS diagnosis. Dane's former producer, Shonda Rhimes, commented that his exclusion was understandable, noting, "He's not a movie star... I can't wait to see what they do with him at the Emmys."
Additional omissions included:
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner from The Cosby Show
- Robert Carradine of Revenge of the Nerds fame
- June Lockhart from Lost in Space
- Bud Cort, star of Harold and Maude
- David Keighley, a key figure in IMAX cinema development
Keighley's son, Geoff, expressed his disappointment on social media, stating he was "heartbroken" by the decision to exclude his father's contributions.
Emotional Highlights of the In Memoriam Segment
The tribute segment was not without its moving moments. Billy Crystal delivered an emotional homage to director Rob Reiner, who was tragically stabbed to death alongside his wife in December. Their son, Nick, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.
Rachel McAdams honoured screen legends Diane Keaton and Catherine O'Hara, both of whom died in the past year—Keaton from pneumonia and O'Hara from a pulmonary embolism. Barbara Streisand concluded the segment by paying tribute to Robert Redford, performing a brief rendition of The Way We Were theme song in memory of the actor, who died peacefully in his sleep at age 89.
The Academy Awards has yet to comment on the omissions, leaving fans and industry insiders to debate the criteria and sensitivities involved in selecting figures for the In Memoriam tribute.
