Oscars 2025: The 97th Academy Awards, A Disappointing Omission of Icons from the In Memoriam Segment

Oscars 2025: The 97th Academy Awards, A Disappointing Omission of Icons from the In Memoriam Segment
The Overlooked Legends Who Deserved to Be Honored and Remembered

The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien for the first time, the prestigious ceremony was a highly anticipated event, as it celebrated the cinematic achievements of the past year. It also honored the stars we lost, in a moment of reflection that the world eagerly waits for each year. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) presented awards in 23 categories, recognizing films released in 2024. This year’s Oscars were broadcast live on ABC and streamed for the first time on Hulu, marking a milestone in its accessibility. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returned as executive producers to lead the show’s production. Despite the ceremony’s glitz and grandeur, the In Memoriam segment was marred by the glaring omission of several icons who deserved recognition.

Every year, many around the world eagerly anticipate the Oscars, not only to celebrate the artistic excellence of the industry but also to remember and honor the stars we've lost in the past year. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude for the impact these individuals had on our lives and in the world of entertainment. I was genuinely hoping for a touching tribute that would highlight the legacy of some truly remarkable figures, such as Shannen Doherty, Michelle Trachtenberg, Tony Todd, and Silvia Pinal. I had hoped that the Academy would recognize their profound contributions, as well as the grief felt by their fans, families, and friends. Unfortunately, the omission of these talented stars left a sense of deep disappointment and sadness.

It’s hard to fathom how some of the names left off the 2025 Oscars In Memoriam segment could be overlooked. These were icons who had shaped the fabric of pop culture and whose contributions transcended generations. Their absence left a palpable void, and the decision to omit them feels like a harsh oversight, especially when their loss was so deeply felt by so many. Here’s a look at some of the stars who deserved recognition but were left out of this year’s tribute:


Michelle Trachtenberg
1985 - 2025
The omission of Michelle Trachtenberg from the Oscars In Memoriam segment was a particularly tough pill to swallow. Known to many for her roles in iconic TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers and Gossip Girl as Georgina Sparks, Michelle’s death in recently, on February 26, 2025 left her family, co-stars and fans heartbroken. She was also a celebrated child star in Harriet the Spy and later graced the big screen in films like EuroTrip and 17 Again. Fans and fellow actors alike felt the absence of her name in the tribute, as her impact on television and film was significant.


Shannen Doherty
1971 - 2024
Shannen Doherty’s exclusion from the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam segment was, without a doubt, one of the most painful oversights for those who knew and loved her, particularly for her devoted fans of Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210. While she had been honored at the 2024 Emmys, her absence from the Academy Awards felt especially glaring. She had recently been remembered and celebrated in the SAG-AFTRA In Memoriam segment, but it was still a significant oversight. Best known for her iconic roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, Shannen fought a brave battle with cancer for several years, showing unparalleled courage that inspired countless fans. Her name should have been included, not just for her undeniable legacy on television, but for the lasting impact she made on Hollywood and in our hearts. Shannen tragically passed away on July 13, 2024. She will forever be a Charmed One—not only on-screen, but in real life too. Her strength and spirit continue to live on with all of us who admired her.


Tony Todd
1954 - 2024
Tony Todd’s exclusion from the Oscars In Memoriam segment was nothing short of baffling. Known for his haunting portrayal of the Candyman, as well as his roles in Star Trek, The Rock, The Crow, and Final Destination, Todd was a towering figure in genre films. His passing on November 6, 2024 marked the end of a remarkable career, yet the Academy failed to honor this iconic figure. The absence of his name left fans in disbelief, particularly given his contribution to the horror genre and the larger entertainment world.


Bernard Hill
1944 - 2024
The decision to omit Bernard Hill from the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam segment left many scratching their heads. A seasoned character actor, Hill’s most notable roles included Captain Smith in Titanic and King Theoden in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. His career spanned decades, and his presence in iconic films made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. To exclude him felt like a disservice to a man who had touched the hearts of so many moviegoers over the years. Bernard Hill passed away on May 5, 2024.


Olivia Hussey
1951 - 2021
Although Olivia Hussey’s career had slowed in recent years, her omission was still a striking one as well. Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet remains one of cinema’s most iconic performances, and her role in the cult classic Black Christmas solidified her place in film history. Despite her long absence from the limelight, her impact on the film industry cannot be overlooked, making her exclusion from the Oscars tribute especially perplexing. Olivia Hussey passed away on December 27, 2024.


Alain Delon
1935 - 2024
Alain Delon’s omission from the In Memoriam segment was another glaring oversight. One of France’s most celebrated actors, Delon’s work spanned both European and Hollywood cinema. Known for films like The Yellow Rolls-Royce and Lost Command, Delon was a monumental figure in international cinema. His undeniable charisma and talent left a lasting impact on both the French and global film industries, and his exclusion from the Oscars tribute was a true loss for film lovers everywhere. Alain Delon passed away on August 18, 2024.


Silvia Pinal
1931 - 2024
Silvia Pinal’s absence from the In Memoriam reel was another painful snub. One of Mexico’s most celebrated actresses, Pinal played an integral role in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Though her fame was more pronounced in Mexico, Pinal’s influence reached far beyond, making her exclusion from the Oscars segment even more baffling. Her contributions to film and her status as an international icon should have been acknowledged by the Academy. Silvia Pinal passed away on November 28, 2024. I grew up watching Silvia Pinal in the Mexican series "Mujer Casos De La Vida Real" and sometimes in Mexican soaps and series for kids.

A Call for Better Representation
Remembering the Importance of Honoring All Legends, Big or Small
The omission of these icons reflects a broader issue in the entertainment industry—how certain contributions are often overlooked, even when they've had a profound cultural impact. Whether their work was in television, film, or international cinema, each of these figures shaped the entertainment landscape in ways that deserve recognition. The Oscars, as the most prestigious ceremony in Hollywood, must do more to acknowledge the full spectrum of talent. These oversights raise important questions: Is the Academy doing enough to honor all facets of entertainment? Are we letting a few narrow definitions of success dictate who gets remembered and who doesn’t? In the future, let’s hope the Oscars and other prestigious awards take a more inclusive approach to acknowledging the legacies of all those who helped make the entertainment industry what it is today.

Conclusion
As fans, we expect the Oscars to reflect the true legacy of those who have shaped the entertainment world. The omission of these beloved stars—Shannen Doherty, Michelle Trachtenberg, Tony Todd, Bernard Hill, Olivia Hussey, Alain Delon, and Silvia Pinal—was not just a disappointment for their fans but a striking reminder of how fickle recognition can be. The Academy’s decision to leave them out of the In Memoriam segment was a painful oversight, especially when compared to the more heartfelt tributes we’ve seen from organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Their tributes, filled with care and attention, were a much-needed reminder of the true importance of honoring those who leave a lasting impact on our lives and culture. The Oscars 2025 will be remembered for more than just its winners—unfortunately, it will also be remembered for those who were forgotten.

Ranbert Hernandez