Oscars ‘In Memoriam’ Under Fire After James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane Omitted

The Academy Awards faced criticism following the 2026 ceremony after viewers noticed that several well-known entertainers were missing from the annual “In Memoriam” tribute.

The segment, traditionally one of the most emotional moments of the Oscars broadcast, honors film industry figures who passed away during the previous year.

Missing names spark reaction

Fans quickly pointed out that actors James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were absent from the televised tribute despite their deaths earlier this year.

Both actors had received widespread attention at the time of their passing, leading many viewers to question why they were not included in the broadcast montage.

Appearing only on the official list

Although their names did not appear during the on-air segment, both actors were included in the full list of honorees published on the official website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For many fans, however, the omission from the televised tribute felt like a notable oversight.

Debate over Oscars selection process

The backlash has renewed long-running debate about how the Academy decides which names appear in the broadcast version of the memorial.

Historically, the Oscars tribute is curated by a committee that reviews hundreds of industry figures who died during the year and selects a limited number for the televised montage.

Observers often speculate that artists with stronger connections to cinema are prioritized, while performers best known for television work may receive recognition at events such as the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Ongoing discussion among fans

The controversy highlights how emotionally significant the In Memoriam segment remains for viewers and industry professionals alike.

Each year the tribute attempts to honor a wide range of contributors to the film industry — but its limited runtime means not every name can appear during the broadcast, a reality that continues to spark debate whenever familiar faces are missing.