The Oscars, the most prestigious and anticipated event in the entertainment industry, has always been a platform to celebrate the achievements of the living while paying tribute to those who have departed. One of the most poignant and emotional moments of the ceremony is the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, which honors the performers, filmmakers, and artisan talents who have passed away in the past year. However, this segment has been marred by controversies and mistakes over the years, with the Academy facing criticism for omitting notable names.
At the 96th Academy Awards, the ‘In Memoriam’ segment kicked off with a remembrance of Alexei Navalny, the political prisoner who tragically lost his life on February 16th and was profiled in the previous year’s documentary feature winner, “Navalny.”
As the names of the departed souls unfurled on the screen, the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo, graced the stage with their heartfelt rendition of “Time to Say Goodbye.”
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Every year, the Academy faces the daunting task of curating the names to be included in the montage, a process that inevitably sparks outrage among viewers when beloved figures are omitted. In 2017, the Academy faced backlash for leaving out notable names like Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, and Miguel Ferrer from the main segment. Similarly, in 2019, the omission of Aretha Franklin, one of the most iconic singers of all time, drew widespread criticism.
Among the talents recognized during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment were esteemed actors Ryan O’Neal, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Birkin, Richard Roundtree, Glenda Jackson, and Carl Weathers. Legendary filmmakers William Friedkin and Norman Jewison were also honored for their invaluable contributions to the industry.
However, this year, several prominent late performers and filmmakers were notably absent from the main segment, including Treat Williams, Angus Cloud, Lance Reddick, Norman Lear, Burt Young, Ron Cephas Jones, Suzanne Somers, and Terence Davies. With the exception of Cloud, their names were briefly displayed on a collective slide at the end of the segment.
While primarily known for their television careers, Matthew Perry and Andre Braugher were also included in the montage, a testament to their impact on the entertainment world. Music icons Tina Turner, Robbie Robertson, and Ryuichi Sakamoto were also remembered for their indelible legacies.
Notably, in 2023, Anne Heche and Charlbi Dean were among the individuals who were not mentioned on-screen during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, sparking discussions and debates among fans and critics alike, similar to the controversies surrounding previous omissions.
The ‘In Memoriam’ segment serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact these individuals have had on the entertainment industry and beyond. However, the Academy’s mistakes and omissions have often overshadowed this moment of remembrance, leading to calls for greater transparency and inclusivity in the selection process.
What do you think of the botched Oscars? Leave a comment and let us know.
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The Oscars is an irrelevant dumpster fire from out of touch elitists….let them sink…