Oscars 2026: Emotional In Memoriam Segment Leaves Viewers in Tears
The 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, delivered a poignant and extended In Memoriam segment that left many viewers in tears. This tribute to Hollywood legends who passed away over the past year has been dubbed the "saddest" ever by Oscars fans, with social media reactions highlighting its emotional impact.
Heartfelt Tributes to Hollywood Icons
Throughout the segment, images and footage of notable stars such as Robert Reiner, Robert Redford, Catherine O'Hara, and Diane Keaton were displayed, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience. Barbara Streisand delivered a heartfelt speech accompanied by a moving performance, adding to the solemn atmosphere. Viewers noted that the In Memoriam was lengthier and more emotionally charged than in previous years, with many praising its respectful pace.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user posted: "Well damn, this the saddest In Memoriam we had in a minute," while another commented: "This year's In Memoriam segment of the Oscars feels like I'm actually at a funeral." Additional reactions included: "I'm surprised how long the In Memoriam section is but I actually like that. It's better than speeding through it," and "They FINALLY got the In Memoriam right. This is how you pay tribute."
Viewer Reactions and Emotional Responses
Many Oscars fans expressed deep emotional connections to the tribute. One viewer declared it "the best they'd seen in a very long time," and another noted: "This is kinda the most stacked Oscars In Memoriam in a whilst omg. A lot of industry giants passed last year." Reports from the Daily Star highlighted comments such as: "Ok. I'm a bawling sobbing mess during this In Memoriam segment. People whose movies comforted me over the years and brought me joy and warmth."
Controversy Over Orchestra Interruptions
Following the In Memoriam segment, the Academy faced criticism for the orchestra cutting off winners' acceptance speeches. The Frankenstein team, who won the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, experienced an abrupt interruption, as did The KPop Demon Hunters team when receiving the award for Best Animated Feature. Audiences quickly spotted these incidents, with some urging the Academy orchestra to "chill a bit."
On X/Twitter, users voiced their frustrations: "Why tf is the music cutting everyone off so early? ? ? ! ! !" Another commented: "Every time they play someone off with the music I feel so bad." A further post added: "They ain't playing with the music lmaooo cutting off everyone's speech hella fast."
The 98th Oscars thus balanced a deeply emotional tribute with moments of controversy, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. You can catch up on the Oscars on ITVX.
