2026 Academy Awards: In Memoriam Segment Highlights Tributes and Omissions
The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony included an extended In Memoriam segment, honoring numerous individuals from the film industry who passed away over the past year. The segment featured both dedicated tributes and a general recognition section. However, it also drew significant attention due to the absence of several prominent figures from the televised broadcast. Many of those not included in the broadcast are acknowledged in an extensive online memorial.
The 2026 Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment garnered both heartfelt appreciation for its tributes and notable criticism for the omission of several prominent figures from the televised broadcast.
Televised Tributes: Remembering Industry Legends
The In Memoriam segment recognized various industry figures through both special dedicated homages and a broader recognition section.
Dedicated Tributes
Special, dedicated tributes were presented for Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner.
- Barbra Streisand offered a poignant tribute to Robert Redford.
- Rachel McAdams honored both Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara.
- Billy Crystal delivered a heartfelt tribute to acclaimed director Rob Reiner.
Also Acknowledged
Other individuals acknowledged during the general segment included:
- Robert Duvall
- Val Kilmer
- Michael Madsen
- Diane Ladd
- Graham Greene
- Ken Jacobs
- James Foley
- Robert Carradine
- Terence Stamp
- Tom Stoppard
- Pauline Collins
- Udo Kier
- Claudia Cardinale
- Béla Tarr
Notable Omissions and Public Discussion
The segment drew considerable criticism for the omission of several individuals from the broadcast, sparking public discussion. These figures were not included in the televised segment:
- Brigitte Bardot: A French actor known for films such as "And God Created Woman," "The Truth," "A Very Private Affair," and "Contempt." She later shifted her focus to animal rights activism and politics. Her inclusion in a tribute at the César awards in February had already been met with some negative reactions, which reportedly led to public discussion regarding her absence from the Oscars broadcast.
- Dharmendra: An Indian actor with a 65-year career spanning over 300 Hindi films.
- Bud Cort: Best known for his starring role in the 1971 film "Harold and Maude."
- James Van Der Beek: His film credits include "Varsity Blues" (1999) and "The Rules of Attraction" (2002).
- Eric Dane: Appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
- Prunella Scales: A British actor featured in films including "The Boys from Brazil," "The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne," "A Chorus of Disapproval," "Howards End," and "An Awfully Big Adventure." Her primary recognition as a television star was noted by some as a potential factor in her omission from the film-focused segment.
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- David Keighley: A Canadian film producer who pioneered IMAX technology and supervised nearly 500 IMAX films.
Online Memorial: A Comprehensive Record
All individuals mentioned as omissions from the broadcast segment are prominently featured on the Academy’s website as part of an online In Memoriam list. This comprehensive online list acknowledges approximately 300 actors, artists, and filmmakers who passed away between the 2025 and 2026 Oscar ceremonies, ensuring a broader recognition beyond the televised event.