The annual Academy Awards “In Memoriam” segment is designed as a quiet pause amid Hollywood’s loudest night—a montage where the industry gathers to remember the artists, technicians and storytellers who shaped the movies.
At the 2026 Oscars, the tribute honored a number of legendary figures from the past year, with special attention given to towering names such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, while filmmaker Rob Reiner received a heartfelt on-stage remembrance during the ceremony.
Yet, the absences quickly became part of the story. Viewers and industry observers noted that several recognizable figures were not featured in the televised tribute despite their film credits and cultural footprint.
Stars missing from the Oscars 2026 “In Memoriam” segment
The 2026 Academy Awards once again sparked debate after several well-known names were absent from the televised “In Memoriam” tribute, despite their connections to film and popular culture.
Among the most talked-about omissions was James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for Dawson’s Creek but also remembered for films such as Varsity Blues. He died on February 11, 2026 at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
In Memoriam is shown during the 97th Annual Oscars in 2025 (Source: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
His absence from the televised tribute drew widespread reaction online, with many viewers pointing out that he had appeared in multiple films throughout his career. Another frequently mentioned omission was Eric Dane, who died in February 2026 at age 53 after living with ALS.
Dane also had a film career, including appearances in movies such as Bad Boys: Ride or Die. His exclusion raised questions about how the Academy determines which figures appear in the limited time available for the segment.
Perhaps the most controversial absence was Brigitte Bardot, the legendary French actress and global icon whose breakthrough film And God Created Woman helped shape modern European cinema. Bardot died in late 2025 at age 91.
The Academy does maintain a longer online “In Memoriam” list on its official website, where many of these figures are acknowledged even if they were not shown during the live ceremony.
Main stars missing from the Oscars 2026 In Memoriam broadcast:
- Brigitte Bardot
- James Van Der Beek
- Eric Dane
- Robert Carradine
- Richard Chamberlain
- Bud Cort
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner
- Julian McMahon
- Polly Holliday
- Samantha Eggar
- Loni Anderson
