The segement paid tribute to a number of Hollywood stars who died during the past 12 months
Oscars viewers have declared ‘we’re all mad’ over several major omissions from the 98th Academy Awards’ In Memoriam segment.
Rather than airing a standard montage as usual, those gathered in LA’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday night (March 15) saw a number of stars sharing words of tributes after one of the most devastating periods in Hollywood’s history.
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The In Memoriam segment is often one of the most talked about moments of the evening which doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house. The segment pays tribute to the stars who have died from the world of film.
During the poignant segment, comedy icon Billy Crystal shared words honouring his When Harry Met Sally director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were killed on December 14 in their home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The segment also saw Canadian actress Rachel McAdams pay tribute to the late Diane Keaton whom she described as a ‘legend with no end’. McAdams also used her time on the stage to honour the late Catherine O’Hara.
Music legend Barbra Streisand emerged on stage to speak about Robert Redford. The Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid star died at the age of 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah, in September last year.
She said before singing The Way We Were: “After I read the first script of ‘The Way We Were,’ I could only imagine one man in the role and that was Robert Redford. But he turned it down because he said the character had no backbone. He doesn’t stand for anything, and he was right. So many drafts later, Bob finally agreed to do it.
“He was a brilliant, subtle actor, and we had a wonderful time playing off each other because we never quite knew what the other one was going to do in a scene. And I’m thrilled that The Way We Were is now considered a classic love story, but it’s also about a dark time in our history, the late ’40s and early ’50s, when people were informing on each other and subject to loyalty oaths.
“Now, Bob had a real backbone on and off the screen. He spoke up to defend freedom of the press, protect the environment and encouraged new voices at his Sundance Institute, some of whom are up for Oscars tonight, which is so great. He was thoughtful and bold.”
Due to the amount of deaths that occurred in the industry since the last Oscars, a number of stars were only mentioned on the Academy’s website. Among them were James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane.
Dawson’s Creek star Van Der Beek died ‘peacefully’ at the age of 48, his family confirmed in a statement last month. Van Der Beek shared his cancer diagnosis back in 2024, when he announced that he was focussing on spending time with his wife Kimberly and their six children.
Last month also saw TV star Dane die at the age of 53, surrounded by friends, his devoted wife, and his two daughters. He had become a fervent champion for ALS awareness and research following his diagnosis last year.
Dane continued to work despite his deteriorating health, but was too ill to attend the Emmy Awards last month. The father of two, who was born in San Francisco, California, enjoyed a 35-year career, during which he appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, Euphoria and numerous other US television series and films.
Also not mentioned during the ceremony, but who appear on the Academy’s website, is The Cosby Show’s Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Lizzie McGuire’s Robert Carradine, Meet Me in St. Louis’ June Lockhart, Harold and Maude’s Bud Cort, Viva Maria’s Brigitte Bardot, Cheers’ George Wendt, the Fantastic Four’s Julian McMahon, Sinister’s James Ransone, What’s Happening’s Danielle Spencer, MASH’s Loretta Swit and Sanford and Son’s Demond Wilson.
Those watching this year’s Oscars at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their frustrations with the omissions from this year’s In Memoriam.
@hopeIessromntic said: “so weird not to do a tribute to james ver beek and eric dane?? #oscars.” @stilesbyjune added: “They forgot about Eric Dane? #oscars.”
@KaiEnigma wrote: “I’m glad we’re all mad Eric Dane wasn’t in the memorial #Oscars.” @icaunicdiary stated: “why wasn’t eric dane apart of the tribute??? #Oscars.”
@DeeDees_Opinion commented: “No in memory for Julian McMahon, James Van Der Beek or Eric Dane? #TheOscars #AcademyAwards.” @JuryHouseVet posted: “Wtf they didn’t show James Van Der Beek or Eric Dane. #TheOscars.”