Oscars 2025: Michelle Trachtenberg, and more icons we missed during the In Memoriam segment

The In Memoriam segment of the Oscars 2025, which honors deceased entertainment figures, caused controversy due to the exclusion of several well-known names. This tribute, accompanied by Mozart's "Requiem in D Minor" and presented by Morgan Freeman, featured big stars like David Lynch, Gene Hackman, Maggie Smith, Donald Sutherland, and James Earl Jones.

Unfortunately, Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away shortly before the event, was not included in the televised tribute. Other missing celebrities were Tony Todd, Chance Perdomo, Alain Delon, Tony Roberts, Linda Lavin, Martin Mull, and documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.

This led to a heated discussion about the Academy's selection criteria.

Why was Michelle Trachtenberg left out of the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam segment?

Michelle Trachtenberg is an actress with a long career in film and TV. She's known for her work in Harriet the Spy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Gossip Girl. Despite being in movies like EuroTrip, 17 Again, Ice Princess, and Mysterious Skin, she wasn't included in the Oscars 2025 tribute.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences didn't give an official reason why. But every year, they face criticism for whom they leave out. The Oscars have to fit a lot into their show, so not everyone can be in the tribute. They usually put a longer list of people they didn't mention on their website.

This year, some fans were confused by the choices they made. They gave special tributes to Gene Hackman and Quincy Jones but didn't include others like Shannen Doherty, Olivia Hussey, and Martin Mull. These omissions can be upsetting for fans who feel their favorite stars aren't being honored enough.

The way they choose who to remember can be surprising. It's tough because they want to recognize as many people as possible but can't do it for everyone.

The Oscars 2025 controversy on which celebrity deaths get remembered in the In Memoriam

The Oscars' In Memoriam segment often faces scrutiny each year. People wonder about the Academy's choices. Some famous people, like Luke Perry in 2020, Norm Macdonald in 2022, and Bob Saget in 2023, weren't included. This makes fans and industry people upset, like it did at the Oscars 2025.

The rules for who gets in the segment aren't clear. Experts think it's about how much an actor did in movies versus TV. It also might be about how big their career was and if important people push for them. Some say the Academy favors older, more well-known actors over younger ones with more varied work.

People noticed that Morgan Spurlock was left out of the Oscars 2025. He's famous for a documentary called Super Size Me.

Alain Delon, a big French movie star, wasn't included either, even though he's had a huge impact worldwide. Because of social media, more people see when someone important is missing, and they're not happy about it.

This has made more people want the Academy to explain how they choose who's in the In Memoriam. They're feeling the pressure to be fairer about their picks.

If you couldn't catch the live show or would like to see the full tribute list, check out the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam segment on the Academy's website or YouTube.

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The Academy also puts out a full list of those they remembered, so everyone gets the recognition they deserve, even if they weren't in the TV part.

Next up: Who are performing at the 2025 Oscars?

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