Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment Ignites Viewer Fury Over Notable Omissions
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, faced immediate backlash from viewers as its In Memoriam segment failed to include tributes to stars Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek. The emotional segment, which honored film industry losses over the past year, featured moving speeches for figures like Diane Keaton and Robert Redford but left fans questioning the exclusion of these actors.
Emotional Tributes to Legends Contrast With Missing Stars
During the ceremony, Canadian actress Rachel McAdams took the stage to pay tribute to Diane Keaton, who passed away at age 79 from bacterial pneumonia in October. McAdams, visibly emotional, described Keaton as a "legend with no end" and highlighted her multifaceted career as an actress, artist, author, and activist. The audience rose to their feet for Barbra Streisand, who honored her co-star Robert Redford, who died in his sleep at age 89 in September, with a heartfelt speech and a rendition of her song "Memory."
Other notable tributes in the live segment included Tom Stoppard, Terence Stamp, Diane Ladd, Catherine O'Hara, Val Kilmer, and Robert Duvall. However, the absence of Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek quickly became a focal point for outrage among viewers watching at home.
Outrage Over Omissions of Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek
Eric Dane, known for roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," died on February 19, 2026, at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). James Van Der Beek, famed for "Dawson's Creek," passed away eight days earlier at age 48 from colorectal cancer. Despite both actors having significant film careers alongside their television work, they were not featured in the live In Memoriam clip.
Social media erupted with criticism, with users calling the omissions "absurd" and "criminal." One viewer tweeted, "eric dane not being in the oscar's in memoriam is criminal and disappointing," while another questioned if he had been "forgotten." The backlash highlighted a perceived oversight in honoring contributions to cinema.
Online Tributes Page Includes Missing Stars
In response to the controversy, it was noted that the Oscars uploads a full In Memoriam page to its website, which includes additional tributes not shown during the live ceremony. Both Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek have been added to this online page alongside black-and-white photos. However, viewers argued that this was "not good enough," emphasizing the importance of recognition during the broadcast.
The online page also included Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and animal rights activist who died at age 91 from cancer in December. Her exclusion from the live segment sparked debate, as some attributed it to her divisive political views, including racist and homophobic comments. Critics argued that her cinematic contributions should have been acknowledged regardless, with one user stating, "the job of the Academy is to remember [her] for [her] contributions to cinema."
Atmosphere and Reactions at the Ceremony
Metro's Film Expert Tori Brazier, present in the auditorium, described a "noticeable shift to sombreness" during the In Memoriam segment. She praised Rachel McAdams for her "beautiful note of warmth and sincerity" in tributing Catherine O'Hara and Diane Keaton, and noted appreciation for Barbra Streisand's musical tribute to Robert Redford. Despite these moments, the omissions overshadowed the segment for many viewers.
The 2026 Oscars also celebrated winners across various categories, including Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Director with "One Battle After Another" and Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor in "Sinners." However, the In Memoriam controversy dominated post-ceremony discussions, reflecting the emotional weight audiences place on honoring late stars.
As the Academy faces scrutiny over its selection process for tributes, this incident underscores the challenges in balancing inclusivity with time constraints during live broadcasts. The outrage serves as a reminder of the deep connections fans have with film personalities and their legacies.
