Director Derrickson Speaks Out After Oscars Omit James Ransone from Memorial Segment
Horror director Scott Derrickson has publicly vowed to remember actor James Ransone, following the Oscars' decision to exclude the late star from its In Memoriam tribute during Sunday's ceremony. The emotional segment honoured dozens of deceased celebrities, including standalone tributes to Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford, but notably omitted Ransone, who died by suicide on December 19, 2025, at the age of 46.
Derrickson's Personal Tribute on Social Media
In a heartfelt post on X, Derrickson expressed his disappointment and personal commitment to Ransone's memory. "The Oscars In Memoriam ignored him but I cannot," he wrote. "He was my friend. I put him in five films. In early January I buried James 'PJ' Ransone after he committed suicide... He was a complex, funny, talented, and undeniably reckless person. He was wildly alive and deeply loved." Derrickson directed Ransone in several horror projects, including Sinister, Sinister 2, The Black Phone, Black Phone 2, and V/H/S/85.
James Ransone's Career and Personal Struggles
Ransone, born in Baltimore, rose to fame with his breakout role as hotheaded dock worker Ziggy Sobotka in season two of HBO's acclaimed series The Wire in 2003. He later portrayed real-life Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the miniseries Generation Kill in 2008. Known for his work in horror, his final project was Black Phone 2. In 2019, he starred as adult Eddie Kaspbrak in It Chapter Two alongside Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, and James McAvoy.
The actor had been open about his battles with physical and mental health issues, including past drug addiction and alleged childhood abuse. After his death, a woman came forward to reveal that Ransone had saved her from a sexual assault in 2006, highlighting his complex character. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Backlash and Academy Response to Omissions
The Oscars' In Memoriam segment faced criticism for excluding not only Ransone but also other notable figures such as French film icon Brigitte Bardot, Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, and Grey's Anatomy's Eric Dane. Walt Disney Television executive Rob Mills, who oversees the Oscars telecast, addressed the backlash in an interview with Variety, acknowledging the difficulty of the selection process.
"It is hard. I think it's the hardest thing they possibly do," Mills said of the Academy. "It always is hard when they are sort of villainized for this. Yes, there's always people who are left out. Unfortunately, we're losing more and more people, and especially, we're losing legendary people every year, so it is probably the hardest needle to thread. I do think what they did last night might have been the best In Memoriam in the history of the Oscars."
Highlights of the Oscars In Memoriam Segment
The segment featured emotional tributes, including Billy Crystal honouring Rob Reiner, who was stabbed to death alongside his wife Michelle Singer Reiner in December 2025. Their son, Nick, was charged with their murder and pleaded not guilty in February. Rachel McAdams paid tribute to screen legends Diane Keaton and Catherine O'Hara, who died from pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism, respectively. Barbara Streisand concluded by honouring Robert Redford, performing a short rendition of The Way We Were theme song; Redford died in his sleep in September 2025 at age 89.
Despite the Academy's efforts, Derrickson's promise ensures that James Ransone's legacy will be remembered by those who knew and worked with him, underscoring the personal impact of such omissions in public memorials.
