Oscars memorial: who was remembered, and who was overlooked?

The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony offered a lengthy in memoriam segment, a poignant acknowledgment of the substantial loss of talent in the film industry over the past year. While honoring figures like Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford, the Academy’s choices sparked debate, particularly regarding notable omissions.

Academy's in memoriam leaves some stars out

The broadcast rightly featured many iconic names – Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, and Diane Ladd, to name a few. But the segment’s scope drew criticism for failing to acknowledge individuals with significant, if perhaps less celebrated, film careers. The Academy’s online memorial currently lists approximately 300 individuals who passed between the 2025 and 2026 ceremonies, a sobering testament to the industry’s losses.

Consider James Van Der Beek, largely recognized for his role in the 1999 teen phenomenon Varsity Blues and the cult film The Rules of Attraction, or Eric Dane, known for appearances in X-Men: The Last Stand and Bad Boys: Ride or Die. While their television work dominates public perception, their cinematic contributions warrant remembrance. Similarly, the omission of French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot, Harold and Maude star Bud Cort, and Bollywood veteran Dharmendra has raised eyebrows.

David Keighley, a Canadian producer and IMAX pioneer who oversaw nearly 500 IMAX films, also wasn't included in the broadcast. The Academy’s decision to prioritize certain figures over others highlights the inherent challenges in curating such a comprehensive tribute. It prompts a question: how does one encapsulate a career – and a life – in a limited timeframe?

The full list of 98th Academy Awards winners is available on IGN. The ceremony served as a powerful, if imperfect, reminder of the creative souls who enrich our lives. The industry moves on, but their contributions endure.