The Memoriam segment is a special part of any awards show. It’s an important time to reflect on those who paved the way for the people who create the films, music and television we are lucky to enjoy.
This year’s Memoriam included the likes of Doris Day, Kirk Douglas and Kobe Bryant, but failed to include a notable face of the industry – Luke Perry.
Perry, known for his roles in Beverly Hills 90210, Riverdale and more recently, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was noticeably absent from the gallery.
Many fans of the late actor were quick to pick it up and expressed their disappointment online…
Wait a minute? Let me see if I'm understanding this…the Oscars had a memoriam and somehow Luke Perry was excluded despite that he's in one of the nominated films?! pic.twitter.com/3nth2skJHp
— ericastwilight (@ericastwilight) February 10, 2020
No Luke Perry in the In Memoriam? He was in one of the Best Picture nominated movies… #Oscars2020 pic.twitter.com/wKuRu1JQBS
— Stephanie Berman (@Stephxo6612) February 10, 2020
Excluding Luke Perry from the Oscars in Memoriam was disrespectful. He appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood which was nominated for Best Picture. Quentin Tarantino personally selected Luke to be in his movie so why not mention him? #oscars pic.twitter.com/eRICigXD0N
— Price of Reason (@priceoreason) February 10, 2020
Viewers were also up in arms after young actor Cameron Boyce was also snubbed from the segment. Boyce, who passed at aged 20, was known for his work on the Disney Channel.
After the backlash The Academy made a statement about the absence of both stars:
“The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars In Memoriam segment,” the statement read.
“An executive committee representing every branch considers the list and makes selections for the telecast based on limited available time. All the submissions are included on Oscar.com and will remain on the site throughout the year. Luke Perry and Cameron Boyce are remembered in the Oscar.com gallery.”
