The 2025 Academy Awards featured its annual In Memoriam segment, honoring industry figures who passed away over the last year. While the tribute recognized film legends such as David Lynch, James Earl Jones, Donald Sutherland, Maggie Smith, Roger Corman, Shelley Duvall, and Bob Newhart, many viewers quickly pointed out names missing from the televised montage.
Morgan Freeman introduced a special remembrance for two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, last Wednesday. Quincy Jones also received his own tribute later in the show. The rest of the segment, set to Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor, displayed a montage of those the Academy selected for recognition.
Social media reaction grew as fans noted the absence of several well-known actors and filmmakers. Tony Todd, known for his lead role in Candyman, was not featured. Todd, who died in November at 69, was a familiar face in horror, science fiction, and animated productions. His omission sparked criticism from horror fans who pointed to his lasting impact on the genre.
Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away just days before the ceremony at 39, was also missing. Though widely recognized for her television roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, her film work included Harriet the Spy, Mysterious Skin, and Ice Princess. Some questioned whether the timing of her death played a role in her absence.
Shannen Doherty, best known for Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, was another omission that led to online discussion. While more closely associated with television, she had key roles in Heathers and Mallrats, both of which remain culturally significant.
The tribute also did not include French actor Alain Delon, who died in August at 88. Delon starred in The Leopard, Le Samouraï, The Red Circle, and Purple Noon, where he played Tom Ripley. His absence surprised many, given his standing in European cinema.
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Mexican actress Silvia Pinal was another name missing. Pinal, who died in November at 93, worked with director Luis Buñuel on Viridiana, The Exterminating Angel, and Simon of the Desert. Her contributions to global cinema led to disappointment from audiences who expected to see her honored.
British actress Olivia Hussey, best known for Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, was not included. Hussey, who died in December at 73, had a film career that included Black Christmas and Death on the Nile. Fans of classic cinema voiced their frustration over her omission.
Mitzi Gaynor, who passed away in November at 93, was another notable figure left out. Best known for South Pacific, Gaynor was one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Other figures not featured in the televised segment included Annie Hall actor Tony Roberts, That ’70s Show star Linda Lavin, musician and actor James Darren, comedian Martin Mull, and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.
Every year, certain omissions from the segment lead to criticism. The Academy traditionally releases a longer list on its website, but the exclusions continue to prompt debate about who gets included in the broadcast.
