Every year, the Oscars' In Memoriam segment becomes a poignant reminder of the industry's losses, but it also sparks inevitable debates about who gets remembered—and how. This year was no exception, and personally, I think it’s a moment that reveals far more about Hollywood’s priorities than we often care to admit. Let’s dive in.
The Emotional Weight of 15 Minutes
The 2025 Oscars In Memoriam segment stretched to a full 15 minutes, a testament to the sheer number of talents we’ve lost. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Academy balances honoring the departed with the constraints of a live broadcast. It’s a delicate dance—one that inevitably leaves some feeling shortchanged. Take, for instance, the tributes to Rob Reiner and Robert Redford. Barbra Streisand’s performance of The Way We Were was undeniably moving, but it also highlighted the segment’s focus on cinematic icons. From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: Does Hollywood value film stars over TV actors, even in death?
The Snubs That Speak Volumes
One thing that immediately stands out is the absence of James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane from the televised segment. Both actors, known primarily for their TV roles (Dawson’s Creek and Grey’s Anatomy, respectively), were relegated to the Oscars’ online In Memoriam. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about screen time—it’s about cultural hierarchy. TV actors, despite their massive contributions, often occupy a different tier in Hollywood’s memory. It’s a subtle but glaring omission that speaks to the industry’s lingering bias.
Brigitte Bardot’s exclusion is equally puzzling. A legend of French cinema, her absence feels like a missed opportunity to celebrate global contributions to film. If you take a step back and think about it, the Oscars often struggle to acknowledge international stars unless they’ve crossed over into American mainstream consciousness. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting, as it reveals the Academy’s myopic view of what constitutes ‘Hollywood greatness.’
The Reunions and Records: A Distraction or a Celebration?
While the In Memoriam segment dominated conversations, the night was also filled with reunions and record-breaking moments. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor sharing the stage felt like a nostalgic nod to Moulin Rouge!, but what this really suggests is that Hollywood loves revisiting its past glories. It’s a safe bet—audiences adore these moments, and they provide a feel-good counterbalance to the somber tributes.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win for Best Cinematography is worth celebrating, but it also underscores how slowly progress moves. As the first woman to win in this category, her victory is both groundbreaking and overdue. In my opinion, it’s a reminder that representation in technical categories remains a critical issue, even as we applaud individual achievements.
The Bigger Picture: Memory, Legacy, and Hollywood’s Narrative
What this year’s Oscars really highlights is how memory is curated in Hollywood. The In Memoriam isn’t just a tribute—it’s a narrative tool. Who gets included, who gets a performance, and who is left to the footnotes all contribute to the industry’s self-mythology. Personally, I think this is where the segment becomes most revealing. It’s not just about honoring the dead; it’s about reinforcing certain legacies while quietly sidelining others.
The snubs of Van Der Beek, Dane, and Bardot aren’t just oversights—they’re reflections of deeper cultural biases. TV actors, international stars, and those who don’t fit the ‘Hollywood icon’ mold are often marginalized, even in death. This raises a provocative question: Whose stories does Hollywood choose to tell, and whose are left untold?
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this year’s Oscars, I’m struck by how much the In Memoriam segment mirrors the industry itself—glamorous, emotional, and deeply flawed. It’s a reminder that even in moments of tribute, Hollywood can’t escape its own hierarchies. What this really suggests is that the fight for representation and recognition doesn’t end with awards or accolades—it’s an ongoing battle, even in the way we remember those who are gone. And that, in my opinion, is the most thought-provoking takeaway of all.
