Oscars 2026: Outcry as Brigitte Bardot, James Van Der Beek, and Eric Dane are Omitted from “In Memoriam

New Delhi, March 17, 2026: The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, delivered a night of cinematic celebration and emotional tributes. However, the ceremony’s poignant “In Memoriam” segment has once again sparked a wave of controversy. Despite an expanded tribute that featured heartfelt honors for legends like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner, viewers were quick to notice the absence of several high-profile stars.

Most notably, French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot, and beloved actors James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane, were missing from the televised montage, leading to an immediate backlash on social media.

A Year of Heavy Losses

The 2026 Oscars producers, Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor, had acknowledged ahead of the show that the industry had suffered an “unimaginably hard year.” To accommodate the high number of losses, the segment was extended.

• Robert Redford: Honored with a moving tribute introduced by his The Way We Were co-star, Barbra Streisand.
• Rob Reiner: Celebrated with a special introduction by Billy Crystal and a reunion of actors from Reiner’s most iconic films.
• Diane Keaton & Catherine O’Hara: Recognized for their indelible impact on the industry, with Rachel McAdams delivering an emotional speech.

Despite these “titans” receiving their due, the “eagle-eyed” audience felt the selection process remained flawed.

The Omissions: Film vs. Television

The exclusion of James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane has raised familiar questions about how the Academy distinguishes between “movie stars” and “TV stars.”

• James Van Der Beek: The Dawson’s Creek star passed away in February 2026 following a battle with colorectal cancer. While primarily known for television, his film credits included the cult classic Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction.
• Eric Dane: Best known as “McSteamy” on Grey’s Anatomy, Dane died in February 2026 due to complications from ALS. His film work included roles in X-Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me.

Critics argue that their contributions to the screen—regardless of the format—earned them a spot in the live broadcast. Industry insiders, however, suggest that because both passed away only weeks before the ceremony, time constraints and pre-planned montage locks may have played a role.

The Brigitte Bardot Controversy

Perhaps the most shocking omission was Brigitte Bardot, who passed away on December 28, 2025. As a global icon of the 1950s and 60s, her absence was felt deeply by international cinephiles.

Some analysts suggest her exclusion might have been a tactical decision by the Academy. In her later years, Bardot became a deeply polarizing figure in France due to her far-right political stances and legal convictions for inciting racial hatred. Given that her tribute at the French César Awards was reportedly met with mixed reactions, speculation persists that the Academy chose to avoid a similar moment of tension during the telecast.

The Academy’s Digital Alternative

As is tradition, the Academy published a comprehensive online In Memoriam list immediately following the show. This digital gallery includes over 300 names, including Bardot, Van Der Beek, Dane, and legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who was also omitted from the broadcast.

While the Academy maintains that the live segment is limited by the “agonizing” necessity of whittling down hundreds of names to a manageable 3-to-4-minute window, fans continue to argue that the televised snub feels like a slight to those who shaped popular culture.