The 2026 Academy Awards “In Memoriam” tribute sparked controversy after excluding actors James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane, despite both passing away in February of that year. The omission raises questions about the criteria for inclusion in the high-profile segment, which otherwise honored several prominent figures lost in the past year.
Notable Honorees and the Tribute’s Format
The Oscars segment featured tributes to Diane Ladd, Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, Catherine O’Hara, Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, and Rob Reiner. The latter’s tribute was particularly poignant, led by Billy Crystal, Kiefer Sutherland, and Meg Ryan, given Reiner’s tragic death in a stabbing incident in December 2025. Barbra Streisand performed “The Way We Were” as a tribute to Redford, with whom she co-starred in the 1973 film of the same name.
Why Van Der Beek and Dane Were Left Out
Van Der Beek succumbed to colon cancer, while Dane died from ALS, both in February. Their passing occurred shortly before the Oscars, leading to speculation that the late timing contributed to their exclusion. This has happened before, with Michelle Trachtenberg’s omission in 2025 also drawing criticism. Notably, both actors were included in the “In Memoriam” segment at the earlier Actor Awards in March.
Behind the Scenes: Production Challenges
Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan explained to Variety that the segment is meticulously planned, and time constraints may have played a role. According to Kapoor, “It’s everything from graphic design to titles to placement… it’s very nuanced.” Mullan added that the industry had an “incredibly tough year of losses,” making the selection process even more difficult. The team works until the last minute due to frequent changes and revisions.
“It’s a chance for people to say goodbye… a chance to see some of their favorite people one more time, and it’s a memory.”
The omission of Van Der Beek and Dane underscores the difficult decisions made during the In Memoriam segment production. While the segment aims to honor those lost, the fast-moving nature of the entertainment industry can sometimes result in some figures being overlooked.
