The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has responded to criticism over perceived snubs in the “In Memoriam” segment during the recent Academy Awards.
According to a source familiar with the process who spoke to TMZ, the Academy receives hundreds of requests each year from families, colleagues and industry figures asking that deceased individuals be included in the tribute segment.
The source explained that an executive committee representing the different branches of the Academy reviews the submissions and makes recommendations based on the limited airtime available during the live broadcast.
Even if someone is not included in the televised tribute, the Academy reportedly lists all submitted names on its official website, where they remain for the entire year. The explanation comes after backlash on social media over the omission of several actors from the tribute segment, including Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek.
Many viewers questioned how such omissions occur repeatedly during the ceremony. Although both actors were known primarily for television roles, they had also appeared in films, leading some critics to argue they should have been included in the tribute.
Their recent deaths had already drawn attention within Hollywood and sparked wider discussions about the financial realities faced by many working actors, particularly how quickly medical expenses can overwhelm earnings.
The controversy follows similar criticism from the previous year when actor Tony Todd was not included in the Oscars memorial segment, prompting outrage among fans.
Despite the criticism, the Academy maintains that the time constraints of the broadcast mean not every individual who passed away in the industry during the year can be included in the televised segment.
