The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are a celebration of cinematic artistry, honoring actors, directors, and industry professionals for their contributions. However, the ceremony also serves as a solemn moment to remember those who passed away.

This year’s Oscars, held on March 15, 2026, included an extended “In Memoriam” segment, which acknowledged many recent losses in Hollywood.

Yet, fans quickly noticed that several notable figures were absent from the televised tribute. The tradition of the “In Memoriam” segment dates back decades.

It began in 1978 during the 50th Academy Awards when Sammy Davis Jr. performed “Come Light the Candles” over a special memorial montage honoring recently deceased film legends.

By 1994, the segment became a permanent fixture of the ceremony, offering a moment for the industry and audiences alike to honor the contributions of actors, directors, and technicians who shaped cinematic history.

Over the past year, the entertainment world has suffered the loss of multiple high-profile figures. The period covering late 2025 and early 2026 has been particularly challenging, leaving fans mourning beloved performers across generations.

One of the most notable losses was Catherine O’Hara, known for her iconic role in Home Alone. She passed away on January 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of comedy, theater, and film spanning several decades.

Tragically, just weeks earlier, director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele died in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025. Their deaths shocked the Hollywood community and reverberated across social media and news outlets.

Other major figures remembered during the Oscars included Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, and Diana Ladd. Each of these actors has left an indelible mark on cinema, influencing generations of performers and filmmakers.

The Academy reportedly extended this year’s “In Memoriam” segment to accommodate these high-profile losses. Barbra Streisand performed a portion of “The Way We Were,” honoring her collaboration with the late Robert Redford. The performance drew widespread acclaim.

Several other stars participated in tributes to Carl Reiner. Notable actors such as Kiefer Sutherland and Meg Ryan shared heartfelt words or brief messages, celebrating the legendary director’s extensive contributions to comedy and television.

Diane Keaton’s segment received special attention, with actress Rachel McAdams introducing her tribute. Keaton’s impact on film and culture, including roles in Annie Hall and The Family Stone, was highlighted in an extended portion of the montage.

Despite these inclusions, fans quickly noted several omissions. Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who passed away at 48 from cancer, was not mentioned during the televised segment, sparking immediate discussion on social media platforms.

Shortly after Van Der Beek’s death, Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at 53. His omission from the televised segment also drew criticism, though both actors are listed on the Academy’s official “In Memoriam” webpage.

Some observers suggested that omissions may relate to actors’ primary mediums. Dane and Van Der Beek were best known for television roles, though both had appeared in multiple films, complicating the criteria for inclusion in the televised tribute.

Eric Dane appeared in films such as Marley & Me, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day, and Dangerous Waters, showcasing his versatility beyond television. Fans argued that these accomplishments warranted inclusion in the segment alongside other film-focused performers.

Similarly, Van Der Beek starred in 1990s and early 2000s films including Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction. Despite their crossover into cinema, their primary recognition came from television audiences, which may have contributed to their omission.

Another notable exclusion was Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his iconic role on The Cosby Show. He tragically died in a drowning accident in Costa Rica in July 2025, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor and humanitarian.

Warner’s career extended beyond The Cosby Show, with roles in Sons of Anarchy, Suits, 9-1-1, and The Resident. His contributions to both television and film have been widely celebrated by fans and peers alike.

Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress and post-war cinema icon, was also omitted from the televised segment. She passed away in December 2025 at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable international legacy in film and fashion.

Fans expressed particular disappointment over Bardot’s absence, describing it as “a huge omission” on social media. Bardot’s influence in European cinema and her status as a cultural icon have made her memory significant to film enthusiasts worldwide.

Gene Hackman, who passed away in February 2025 alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, was not included in this year’s segment, though he had already been featured in last year’s tribute. Actor Morgan Freeman delivered a moving eulogy for Hackman previously.

Additional omissions noted by fans included Robert Carradine, June Lockhart, and Bud Cort. While these actors made lasting contributions to film and television, their absence sparked discussion about the challenges of including every notable figure in a limited broadcast timeframe.

Despite these exclusions, the Academy maintains an official “In Memoriam” webpage listing all recently deceased members. Van Der Beek, Warner, Bardot, Carradine, Lockhart, and Cort are all included on this digital memorial, ensuring that fans can honor them.

The recurring issue of omissions has drawn criticism from viewers for several years. Fans of the Oscars often expect televised recognition for every major contributor to film, particularly those with notable cultural or historical impact.

Last year, Michelle Trachtenberg, known for Harriet the Spy, was omitted from the televised segment despite passing shortly before the ceremony. Her exclusion caused disappointment among fans and highlighted ongoing concerns about selection criteria.

Other omissions in previous years include actors such as Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo, Alain Delon, and Olivia Hussey. Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock was also left out, demonstrating that omissions are not limited to actors alone.

Fans have speculated about the reasons behind exclusions, noting that broadcast time constraints and production decisions play a significant role. With dozens of industry deaths each year, not every name can appear during a segment lasting only a few minutes.

Despite omissions, the “In Memoriam” segment continues to be a poignant part of the ceremony, blending music, film clips, and brief commentary to honor the legacies of those who shaped the entertainment industry.

This year, the musical performances accompanying tributes, such as Streisand’s rendition of “The Way We Were,” added emotional resonance to the segment. Performers often choose songs that reflect their personal connections to the honorees, creating a more intimate memorial.

Tributes to Carl Reiner highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, as actors and directors reflected on his work and mentorship. Kiefer Sutherland and Meg Ryan emphasized Reiner’s influence on multiple generations of performers and comedians.

Diane Keaton’s extended tribute showcased how individual segments are tailored to the prominence of the deceased, with introductions by contemporaries or collaborators highlighting the depth of each artist’s contribution.

Viewers continue to debate the criteria for televised inclusions. Some argue that prominence in film, rather than television, dictates selection, while others emphasize cultural impact, crossover work, or fan following as potential factors influencing decisions.

The Academy’s official webpage allows fans to access a comprehensive record of those lost, ensuring that no contribution is forgotten, even if time limitations prevent a televised mention during the Oscars ceremony itself.

Historically, the Oscars have navigated similar challenges. With the increasing number of industry professionals passing each year, producers balance honoring individuals with the practical constraints of broadcast timing, resulting in difficult editorial decisions.

Social media has amplified the discussion around omissions, providing a platform for fans to express disappointment or highlight overlooked figures. These conversations often generate increased attention for the deceased’s legacy posthumously.

While omissions draw criticism, the segment’s televised performance remains a vital opportunity to reflect on the contributions of artists across generations, offering a public forum to celebrate careers that have influenced global cinema.

The broader impact of the “In Memoriam” segment is also cultural. Beyond the immediate audience, it reminds filmmakers, actors, and fans of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of cinema to preserve memory and legacy.

The 2026 Oscars demonstrate how evolving media, fan engagement, and digital platforms influence traditional ceremonies. Fans’ concerns about omissions are now documented widely, ensuring that future tributes may adapt to encompass broader recognition.

Ultimately, the “In Memoriam” segment serves as both a memorial and an emotional bridge connecting viewers with the past. It honors achievements, acknowledges loss, and inspires reflection on the value of artistic contribution across time.

Despite the challenges of inclusion and broadcast constraints, the ceremony’s televised tribute and online memorial together create a comprehensive recognition of the lives and careers of artists who passed away in the past year.