Michelle Trachtenberg, Shannen Doherty, Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo Absent From Oscars In Memoriam

, Bernard Hill, and Shannen Doherty.

The Academy has gone to great lengths in recent years to not only recognize the stars we see on screen and behind the camera, but also those who make it possible for movies to make it to screens. From writers and editors, to choreographers and publicists, the list of those who passed away in the last year is often a long one, but in trying to cover all the bases, the Academy often leaves themselves open to criticism for missing out some big stars from the emotional segment.

Although the showcase of famous faces included the likes of David Lynch, James Earl Jones, Donald Sutherland, and Gene Hackman, fans were quick to call out several other well-known stars that did not make the selection. This included Trachtenberg, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star, who passed away in the week before the ceremony, Doherty, Gen V star Chance Perdomo, Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill, and horror Icon Tony Todd, as well as Alain Delon, Tony Roberts, Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey, Linda Lavin, James Darren, Mitzi Gaynor, Martin Mull, and documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.

Of course, the In Memoriam segment has a tough task of cramming in all the Hollywood industry players into its short runtime, and that ultimately means that some people unfortunately do not make it onto the list.

The Oscars Paid Tribute to Many Stars

While the lack of remembrance for Doherty, Todd, Perdomo, and Trachtenberg in particular drew criticism, the event that celebrates all aspects of cinema did take time to pay tribute to many others who have been lost over the years. Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey introduced a musical tribute to the late Quincy Jones, with Queen Latifah subsequently performing a rendition of “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz. Ahead of the full In Memoriam segment, Morgan Freeman paid a personal tribute to Gene Hackman. Freeman said in his speech:

“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. I had the pleasure of working alongside gene on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work. Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”

Naturally, the In Memoriam video itself reminded everyone watching of the great actors, writers, directors, cinematographers and more that have been lost in the past year. With an industry as vast as Hollywood, it is almost impossible to always mention everyone who has passed, but it certainly does not mean that those not included in the montage are any less thought of, respected, or missed within the industry.