Academy under fire for snubbing famous figures in Oscars tribute

Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment Sparks Debate Over Notable Omissions

The Academy Awards have long been a moment not only to celebrate cinematic achievement but also to pause and reflect on the artists the industry has lost. Each year, the In Memoriam segment serves as an emotional centerpiece—one that audiences watch closely.

This year, however, the tribute became a point of discussion, as several well-known names were noticeably absent.

A Longstanding Tradition of Remembrance

The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment has evolved into one of the ceremony’s most meaningful traditions.

The concept dates back to 1978, when Sammy Davis Jr. performed “Come Light the Candles” during a special tribute. By 1994, the segment became a permanent feature, and since then it has remained a deeply anticipated moment for both the industry and viewers at home.

At the 2026 ceremony, the segment was reportedly extended to reflect what has been a particularly heavy period of loss across the entertainment world.

Stars Honored During the Ceremony

This year’s tribute recognized several iconic figures from film.

Among those honored were:

Diane Keaton

Robert Redford

Robert Duvall

Diana Ladd

A particularly emotional moment came when Barbra Streisand performed part of “The Way We Were,” paying tribute to her late co-star Redford.

Additionally, Rachel McAdams introduced a special segment honoring Keaton, while Kiefer Sutherland and Meg Ryan joined in remembering the legacy of Carl Reiner.

Fans Notice Missing Names

Despite the extended tribute, viewers quickly pointed out several notable omissions.

Among those not included:

James Van Der Beek

Eric Dane

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Brigitte Bardot

The absence of these names prompted immediate reactions online. Many viewers expressed surprise, particularly given that some of these actors had notable film credits alongside their television success.

A commonly suggested explanation was that the Academy may prioritize film-focused legacies in the televised segment, even though many actors today work across both film and television.

The Case of Gene Hackman

One omission that sparked confusion was Gene Hackman.

Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Hackman, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, passed away in early 2025. However, his absence from this year’s segment had a clear explanation—he had already been honored during the previous ceremony, where Morgan Freeman delivered a tribute.

Additional Names and Ongoing Criticism

According to reports, other figures not included in the broadcast segment included:

Robert Carradine

June Lockhart

Bud Cort

Many of these names, along with others, were still acknowledged on the Academy’s official online memorial page.

Still, this is not a new issue. Each year, the In Memoriam segment faces criticism for leaving out certain figures. In 2025, for example, fans noted the absence of Michelle Trachtenberg, as well as other actors such as Tony Todd and Alain Delon.

A Tradition Under Scrutiny

The In Memoriam segment remains one of the most emotionally significant parts of the Oscars. Yet its limited runtime and selection process continue to raise questions about who is included—and who is left out.

While the Academy provides a more comprehensive list online, the televised tribute carries a symbolic weight that audiences clearly value.

And each year, as the names appear on screen, so too does the quiet expectation that every legacy deserving recognition will be remembered—if not in full, then at least with care.