The emotional In Memoriam segment at the 98th Annual Academy Awards sparked strong reactions from viewers after several notable figures were absent from the televised tribute.
The segment traditionally honors film industry figures who passed away during the past year. While many beloved names were remembered, fans quickly noticed that several high-profile stars were missing from the montage shown during Sunday night's ceremony.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesSocial media lit up within minutes of the tribute airing, with viewers questioning why some familiar names did not appear on screen.
Tributes From Hollywood Legends Highlight the Ceremony
The ceremony featured moving moments as Hollywood veterans, including Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Rob Reiner, appeared on stage to help introduce the tribute.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe segment honored a number of late actors, filmmakers, and creatives who shaped the industry. Emotional music and archival footage accompanied the montage, which is often one of the most reflective moments of the Oscars broadcast.
However, viewers quickly noticed several names they expected to see were missing from the televised tribute.
Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek Among the Most Noticed Omissions
One of the most talked about absences was Eric Dane, who died on February 19 at age 53 after battling ALS. Dane was widely known for his television roles in “Grey's Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” but he also appeared in films, including “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”
© FilmMagicFans also questioned the absence of James Van Der Beek, whose death at age 48 was confirmed by his family on February 11. Van Der Beek became a household name as Dawson Leery in the hit series “Dawson's Creek” and appeared in films such as “Varsity Blues.”
Frustrated viewers quickly took to X to voice their disappointment. One user wrote, “i was sad that eric dane didn't appear in the in memoriam tribute at the oscars.” Another added, “Why weren't Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek included in the In Memoriam #Oscars.”
© Getty ImagesA third user argued that the actors’ television success should not exclude them from film recognition, writing, “They're TV actors. They've both been in films and they have had TV actors in the film awards memoriam before BUT they miss more prominent film actors every year somehow.”
Actress Brigitte Bardot Also Missing
Another omission that surprised fans was Brigitte Bardot. The French star passed away on December 28, 2025 at the age of 91. Bardot became an international icon after starring in the influential 1956 film, “And God Created Woman.” Her impact on cinema and global pop culture made her absence from the televised montage particularly noticeable for many viewers.
One frustrated user commented online, “What a disgrace.”
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAnother viewer also pointed out that the tribute overlooked several additional figures, posting: “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!”
More Names Fans Expected to See
The backlash continued as fans began compiling lists of other stars who were not included during the broadcast. Among the names mentioned were Robert Carradine, known for films like “Revenge of the Nerds” and his appearance in the series “Lizzie McGuire.”
Other actors cited by viewers included Richard Chamberlain, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bud Cort of "Harold and Maude fame," as well as Tom Noonan and Julian McMahon. One viewer even noted that wrestling icon Hulk Hogan was not included. “hulk hogan left out of #Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Tribute,” the user wrote.
Debate Over Oscars In Memoriam Choices Continues
The controversy surrounding the Oscars tribute is not new. Each year, the Academy faces scrutiny from fans when certain names are left out of the televised montage.
© Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagOften, additional names appear on the Academy's official website even if they were not included in the broadcast segment due to time limits.
Still, the discussion intensified this year because some of the same actors had recently been omitted from the In Memoriam segment at the BAFTA Awards as well.
