Movie lovers it's Oscars season and while everyone is excited about the awards themselves there's always a moment that gets us a little misty-eyed: the In Memoriam segment . This is the part of the show where Hollywood pauses to remember all the talented folks we lost in the past year. The 2025 Oscars In Memoriam was definitely emotional but as always there were some names that folks noticed were missing. Let's talk about who was honored who got missed and all the feels from this year's tribute.
A Somber Goodbye: Mozart Sets the Tone for the 2025 Oscars In Memoriam Segment
This year the Oscars In Memoriam took on a particularly somber tone. Instead of a big pop song or orchestra the Academy went with "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's Requiem in D minor. If that sounds familiar it's because it is pretty famous and has been used in movies like Amadeus. It's a powerful and definitely sad piece of music.
They had a chorus singing in shadow while images of the departed flashed on screen in a circle in the middle of the stage. It was simple and respectful. The whole segment was about four and a half minutes long a moment to really reflect on the people the movie world lost.
Honoring Legends: Gene Hackman, David Lynch, Maggie Smith and More Remembered
Before the main In Memoriam segment started there was a special intro by Morgan Freeman. He gave a personal tribute to his friend Gene Hackman who sadly passed away recently. Hackman a two-time Oscar winner was definitely a legend so it was fitting to give him a special moment.
The In Memoriam montage itself also highlighted some other major figures like director David Lynch who passed in January and British acting icon Maggie Smith known to many as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. She actually won an Oscar way back in 1970 for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. These were just a few of the big names the Academy made sure to include showing the range of talent from actors to directors and creative minds that we have lost.
Who Made the Cut? Notable Names Included in the 2025 Oscars In Memoriam
The Academy’s official list included a wide range of talented individuals. Here are just a few of the notable actors actresses directors and writers who were honored during the 2025 Oscars In Memoriam segment:
- Gene Hackman (Actor)
- David Lynch (Director)
- Maggie Smith (Actress)
- James Earl Jones (Actor - likely a mistake in source, possibly referring to someone else or a future event, as James Earl Jones is still alive as of current knowledge)
- Donald Sutherland (Actor - likely a mistake in source, possibly referring to someone else or a future event, as Donald Sutherland is still alive as of current knowledge)
- Gena Rowlands (Actress)
- Teri Garr (Actress)
- Shelley Duvall (Actress)
- Bob Newhart (Actor/Comedian)
- John Amos (Actor)
- Roger Corman (Director/Producer)
- Robert Towne (Writer)
The Snubs and Omissions: Michelle Trachtenberg, Olivia Hussey and Others Missed From the Tribute
Every year with the In Memoriam segment there is always talk about who got left out and unfortunately 2025 was no different. Some pretty well-known names were missing from the montage and fans online definitely noticed .
One big name that caused a stir was Michelle Trachtenberg who passed away suddenly recently. Even though she is known for TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer she also had roles in movies like Harriet the Spy EuroTrip and Ice Princess. Lots of people online were surprised she wasn't included.
British actress Olivia Hussey also got left out. She was famous for playing Juliet in the classic 1968 Romeo & Juliet movie and was also in films like Black Christmas and Death on the Nile. Jim Abrahams co-director of the comedy classic Airplane! was another notable omission. And Alain Delon a major star of French cinema was also not in the tribute.
Other names that fans and media outlets pointed out as missing included Tony Todd known for playing Candyman Tony Roberts from Annie Hall and Linda Lavin. Director George Armitage of movies like Miami Blues and Grosse Pointe Blank was also not featured.
Why Do Some Get Missed? The Difficult Choices Behind the Oscars In Memoriam
It's always tough when people are left out of the In Memoriam. The Academy just can't include everyone. They only have a limited amount of time during the broadcast. It's a really hard job to decide who makes the final cut when so many talented people pass away each year.
The Academy does acknowledge that they can't include everyone in the broadcast segment. They traditionally post a longer more comprehensive list on their website for those who want to see a more complete memorial. So while it is disappointing when someone's favorite actor or director is missed from the show there are always difficult choices to be made.
Notable Omissions from the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam Segment:
- Michelle Trachtenberg (Actress)
- Olivia Hussey (Actress)
- Alain Delon (Actor)
- Tony Todd (Actor)
- Tony Roberts (Actor)
- Linda Lavin (Actress)
- Jim Abrahams (Director)
- George Armitage (Director)
- Shannen Doherty (Actress)
- Morgan Spurlock (Documentary Filmmaker)
A Moment to Remember: Despite Omissions the Oscars In Memoriam Remains a Meaningful Tribute
Even with the names that were missed the Oscars In Memoriam segment is still an important part of the show. It is a moment to pause and think about the incredible contributions of the people who have shaped the world of film. It’s a reminder of the legacy they leave behind and the impact they had on audiences everywhere. While no tribute can ever be truly comprehensive the Oscars In Memoriam offers a chance to collectively remember and appreciate the artistry of those we've lost and their lasting mark on cinema.