The Oscars are facing backlash after viewers noticed several well-known stars were missing from the ceremony’s emotional In Memoriam tribute.
The annual segment is meant to honor members of the entertainment industry who died over the past year. During this year’s broadcast, the Academy paid tribute to a number of Hollywood figures, with emotional moments dedicated to stars such as Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Rob Reiner as former colleagues shared heartfelt words on stage.
But many viewers quickly pointed out that several recently deceased actors were nowhere to be seen in the tribute montage.
Among the names fans were shocked to see missing were James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane.
Van Der Beek, best known for his breakout role in Dawson’s Creek and appearances in multiple film projects, died on February 11 at the age of 48 after battling cancer. Just days later, Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane died on February 19 at age 53 following a battle with ALS.
Legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot, who died on December 28, 2025 at age 91, was also absent from the tribute. Bardot became an international icon after starring in films like And God Created Woman.
As soon as viewers realized the omissions, social media lit up with criticism.
“I was sad that Eric Dane didn’t appear in the In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars,” one viewer wrote online.
Another asked: “Why weren’t Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek included in the In Memoriam?”
Others were just as shocked about Bardot being left out. “Brigitte Bardot not being included in the In Memoriam segment is a pretty astounding miss,” one user posted.
Some fans expressed frustration that the issue seems to happen every year.
“How do they get this wrong every year?” one viewer complained.
Another person pointed out that both Van Der Beek and Dane had appeared in film projects, arguing they should have qualified for the tribute. “They’ve both been in films, and the Oscars have included TV actors before,” the user wrote. “But somehow they still miss more prominent actors every year.”
Several other actors were also reportedly missing from the televised tribute, including Revenge of the Nerds star Robert Carradine, Bud Cort from Harold and Maude, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tom Noonan and Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon.
Adding to the frustration, both Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek had also been left out of the In Memoriam segment at the BAFTA Awards just weeks earlier in February.
Despite the controversy, the ceremony did feature emotional tributes to other late Hollywood figures.
Billy Crystal took the stage to honor longtime friend Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who died together on December 14. Crystal had previously worked with Reiner on several beloved films including When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride.
Speaking to the audience, Crystal reflected on Reiner’s legacy and the joy he brought to audiences.
“My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be,” Crystal said. “Far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, and far more human.”
He added that Reiner always appreciated how deeply audiences connected with his work.
“For the millions who have enjoyed his films all these years, I want you to know how much it meant to him that his work meant something to you,” Crystal said.
Then, with a smile, he concluded his tribute with a final farewell to his friend: “Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”
The producers are Idiots!