Viewers of the 98th Annual Academy Awards expressed widespread disappointment over notable omissions in the In Memoriam segment aired on Sunday. While several Hollywood icons received heartfelt tributes, stars like Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek, and Brigitte Bardot were absent from the on-screen montage.
Honored Stars and Moving Tributes
The segment featured remembrances for figures including Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Rob Reiner. Former collaborators delivered emotional speeches highlighting their legacies.
Billy Crystal honored Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who passed away on December 14. Crystal, who worked with Reiner on films like When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, stated, “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: far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, and far more human.” He added, “And for us who had the privilege of working with and knowing him and loving him, all we can say is, buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”
Rachel McAdams paid tribute to Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, noting, “This year, we lost so many artists, including actresses whose talent and originality widened the world for all of us.” She called O’Hara her “fellow Canadian” who “made us laugh until we cried” and praised Keaton as an “icon” who inspired generations. McAdams concluded, “And so to our friend, Diane Keaton, celebrating a life of silver and gold, a legend with no end.”
Barbra Streisand remembered Robert Redford, her co-star in The Way We Were (1973). She described him as “a brilliant, subtle actor” and shared a personal anecdote: during a later phone call, Redford said, “Babs, I love you dearly and I always will.” Streisand ended her tribute by singing lines from the film’s title song.
Prominent Omissions
Eric Dane died on February 19 at age 53 after battling ALS. Known for roles in Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), his absence drew sharp criticism.
James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 at age 48, as confirmed by family on social media. Famous for Dawson’s Creek and films like Varsity Blues (1999), he was also overlooked at the recent BAFTAs.
Brigitte Bardot, star of And God Created Woman, died on December 28, 2025, at age 91. Other excluded names included Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds, Lizzie McGuire), Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bud Cort (Harold and Maude), Tom Noonan, Julian McMahon, and even Hulk Hogan.
Social Media Backlash
Fans flooded X with complaints. One user wrote, “I was sad that Eric Dane didn’t appear in the In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars.” Another questioned, “Why weren’t Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek included in the In Memoriam #Oscars?”
Reactions to Bardot’s snub included, “Brigitte Bardot not being included in the In Memoriam segment is a pretty astounding miss,” and “How can @TheAcademy exclude legend Brigitte Bardot who also had an extensive movie career?!” One post read, “What a disgrace.” A detailed critique noted, “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!”
Similar outrage erupted at the BAFTAs last month over Dane and Van Der Beek. Viewers continue to debate the Academy’s selections annually.
