Oscars In Memoriam Segment Faces Backlash Over Notable Exclusions
The 98th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday featured an emotional In Memoriam segment that honored late Hollywood stars, but viewers were left upset by shocking omissions that sparked widespread outrage on social media.
Moving Tributes and Controversial Snubs
A number of late Hollywood stars were honored during the ceremony, with Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Rob Reiner receiving moving tributes from their former castmates on stage. Billy Crystal delivered a heartfelt speech remembering Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who tragically passed away on December 14. Crystal, who appeared in Reiner-directed projects such as When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, praised his friend's lasting cinematic legacy.
Rachel McAdams shared an emotional tribute to Diane Keaton and Catherine O'Hara, calling Keaton an "icon" who inspired generations of actresses. Barbra Streisand later took the stage to honor Robert Redford, recalling their collaboration on The Way We Were and sharing personal anecdotes about their friendship.
Outrage Over Missing Stars
However, the segment faced significant criticism for excluding several prominent figures. Eric Dane, who passed away on February 19 at age 53 following a battle with ALS, was notably absent. James Van Der Beek, whose death at age 48 was confirmed by loved ones on February 11, was also omitted. Brigitte Bardot, the legendary actress known for films like And God Created Woman, who passed away on December 28, 2025 at age 91, was similarly left out.
Social media users quickly voiced their frustration on platform X, with one writing: "I was sad that Eric Dane didn't appear in the In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars." Another questioned: "Why weren't Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek included in the In Memoriam #Oscars?" A fan expressed disbelief: "Brigitte Bardot not being included in the In Memoriam segment is a pretty astounding miss."
Additional Omissions and Historical Context
Other stars excluded from the broadcast tribute included Robert Carradine, known for Lizzie McGuire and Revenge Of The Nerds, along with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bud Cort, Tom Noonan, and Julian McMahon. This controversy follows similar complaints when Dane and Van Der Beek were omitted from the BAFTAs' In Memoriam segment last month.
Van Der Beek was recognized for his role in Dawson's Creek and films like Varsity Blues, while Dane appeared in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, plus movies such as Bad Boys: Ride Or Die. Social media users argued that despite some being considered "TV actors," they had film careers and deserved recognition, with one noting: "They've both been in films and they have had TV actors in the film awards memoriam before."
Continuing Debate Over Selection Process
The outcry highlights ongoing debates about the selection process for award show tributes. One user lamented: "How do they get this wrong every year??" while another called the exclusions a "disgrace." Some pointed out that Hulk Hogan was also left out, and a fan emphasized: "The #Oscars forgot to include Brigitte Bardot in the In Memoriam segment. TOTAL SHAME."
Despite the omissions, the Academy included these stars on their official website, leading to further confusion. A social media user summarized: "Although included on your website you left out James Van Der Beek, Robert Carradine, Richard Chamberlain, Eric Dane, Brigitte Bardot who all deserved to be on camera!"
The emotional segment, while honoring many beloved figures, has reignited discussions about how the film industry commemorates its departed members and the criteria used for these annual tributes.
