Oscars Viewers Shocked as Academy Snubs Eric Dane James Van Der Beek and Brigitte Bardot in In Memoriam Segment at 98th Annual Awards in Los Angeles

Sunday night’s 98th Annual Academy Awards delivered glitz, glamour, and emotional tributes—but it also ignited a wave of frustration online.

Viewers were left shocked as several notable figures were absent from the highly anticipated In Memoriam segment, sparking intense debate across social media.

While stars like Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Rob Reiner were honored with heartfelt on-stage tributes, fans noticed glaring omissions that left many questioning the Academy’s selection process.

Stars Remembered With Heartfelt Tributes

The ceremony offered touching moments as celebrities reflected on the lives and legacies of their departed colleagues.

Billy Crystal honored Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, recalling their enduring friendship and Reiner’s influence in cinema.

Crystal emotionally shared, “My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry… Far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, and far more human.”

Rachel McAdams delivered tributes to Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, highlighting their groundbreaking contributions to film.

She spoke of O’Hara’s ability to make audiences laugh uncontrollably and praised Keaton as a timeless inspiration.

Barbra Streisand also took a moment to honor Robert Redford, sharing personal anecdotes and concluding with a poignant performance of The Way We Were.

Shocking Omissions: Dane, Van Der Beek, Bardot and More

Despite the heartfelt remembrances, fans were quick to point out who was missing.

Among the absent were Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek, and Brigitte Bardot.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

One Battle After Another Dominates Oscars 2026 as Conan O’Brien Combines Comedy and Chaos at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles

Nordic Leaders Forge Strategic Arctic Alliance With Canada to Counter Russia and U.S. Pressure in Oslo

Gwyneth Paltrow Stuns Fans with Daring Oscars Dress That Nearly Exposes Her Entire Body at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

Michael B. Jordan Trades Oscars Red Carpet For In-N-Out Burger Run In Los Angeles

Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, after battling ALS at 53, while Van Der Beek’s death at 48 was confirmed earlier in February.

Bardot, an iconic French actress known for And God Created Woman, died on December 28, 2025, at 91.

Other omitted names included Robert Carradine, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bud Cort, Tom Noonan, and Julian McMahon.

These exclusions drew widespread backlash, with social media users questioning why such prominent figures were overlooked.

One fan commented, “What a disgrace,” while others asked, “How do they get this wrong every year?”

Social Media Erupts in Criticism

X (formerly Twitter) became the epicenter of outrage as fans expressed disbelief at the Academy’s omissions.

Comments ranged from disappointment over Dane and Van Der Beek being excluded from both the Oscars and the BAFTAs to calls for recognition of Bardot’s cinematic legacy.

Some users defended the overlooked performers, noting that previous ceremonies had included television actors alongside film stars, making the exclusion of Dane and Van Der Beek even more puzzling.

Others highlighted Hulk Hogan’s absence, underscoring inconsistencies in the segment’s selection process.

Impact and Consequences

The backlash has cast a spotlight on the Academy’s In Memoriam segment, raising questions about its selection criteria and prompting discussions on inclusivity.

Fans and industry insiders alike have expressed that these omissions can overshadow the ceremony’s intended emotional impact, potentially diminishing public trust in the Oscars’ commitment to honoring all deserving figures.

What’s Next?

The Academy has not yet released an official statement regarding the omissions.

Many viewers and fans are anticipating explanations or revisions to the online In Memoriam tribute.

Industry observers suggest this could prompt future reforms, ensuring broader recognition for late artists across film and television.

Summary

The 98th Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, while touching for some, left fans frustrated over missing tributes to notable figures including Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek, and Brigitte Bardot.

Social media erupted in criticism, emphasizing inconsistencies and calling for a reevaluation of how the Academy honors departed talent.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek, and Brigitte Bardot were notably missing from the Oscars In Memoriam.
• Fans criticized the Academy on social media for inconsistent inclusions.
• Billy Crystal, Rachel McAdams, and Barbra Streisand delivered heartfelt tributes to remembered stars.
• Other omitted names included Robert Carradine, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Bud Cort, Tom Noonan, and Julian McMahon.
• The controversy has sparked broader discussions on the selection process and potential reforms for future ceremonies.