Notable Stars Absent from 2026 Oscars’ In Memoriam Tribute

This year’s ceremony included heartfelt tributes to luminaries such as Rob Reiner and Catherine O’Hara. However, it also drew attention for the absence of several prominent figures. Among the most surprising exclusions was the legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot, who passed in December 2025. The segment also missed Bud Cort, beloved for his roles in “Harold and Maude” and “Brewster McCloud,” who died in February 2026. Additionally, the tribute failed to acknowledge Robert Carradine, known for his performances in “Revenge of the Nerds” and “Lizzie McGuire.”

The omission of these eminent personalities during this year’s televised tribute was indeed a surprise, but they were not the only ones left out. The ceremony overlooked several actors better known for television but who also made significant contributions to cinema. These included James Van Der Beek, famous for “Dawson’s Creek” and films like “Varsity Blues,” Eric Dane, who appeared in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” as well as Malcolm Jamal Warner, known for “The Cosby Show” and “Fool’s Gold.” Loretta Switt, Loni Anderson, and June Lockhart were also absent, despite their cinematic achievements alongside their television fame. Additionally, Anthony Geary and Julian McMahon, who had both impactful TV roles and notable film appearances, were not mentioned.

Furthermore, some actors recognized for their roles in less critically acclaimed films were also overlooked. Hulk Hogan, known for “Rocky III,” and Joe Don Baker from “Walking Tall” were among those who deserved acknowledgment. Peter Greene, a key figure in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” also did not feature in the segment. While Marianne Faithfull and Bob Uecker may be better known for their contributions to music and baseball, respectively, their memorable film appearances were also forgotten. James Ransone and Wings Hauser, both recognized for their work in genre films, were similarly absent from the tribute.

Among the many snubbed by the Academy’s onscreen In Memoriam tribute were a slate of actors who may be better known for their television roles but still made an impact on the big screen: James Van Der Beek — who headed “Dawson’s Creek” but was also the star of films like “Varsity Blues”; Eric Dane, who appeared in “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “Burlesque” as well as “Grey’s Anatomy”; Malcolm Jamal Warner, of “The Cosby Show” and “Malcolm and Eddie,” along with “Fool’s Gold”; Loretta Switt — of both “M*A*S*H” and “S.O.B”; Loni Anderson, of “WKRP In Cincinnati” but also “Stoker Ace”; June Lockhart, mom to “Lassie” and the Robinson family in “Lost in Space,” and also the star of multiple old Hollywood films like “Meet me In St. Louis”; Anthony Geary, who appeared in Weird Al’s cult film “UHF” as well as putting in decades of work on “General Hospital”; and Julian McMahon, of the “Fantastic Four” series as well as “Charmed” and “Nip/Tuck.” 

Though they might be better known for appearing in B films or movies that weren’t critically adored, “Rocky III” movie actor Hulk Hogan and “Walking Tall” king Joe Don Baker were undeniably movie stars who should have merited a nod. Additionally, a major contributor to the work of Quentin Tarantino — Peter Greene, who infamously played the Gimp in “Pulp Fiction” — wasn’t brought up, either. Marianne Faithfull and Bob Uecker might have been better known in other fields — music and baseball — but they still had memorable film moments: Ueker in the “Major League” series of films and Faithfull in “The Girl on the Motorcycle” and “Marie Antoinette.” Additionally, James Ransone and Wings Hauser put in memorable performances in genre pictures, but they also weren’t listed in the In Memoriam segment.

Despite all of these omissions, these performers will be deeply missed by Hollywood and those who loved them most.