The Academy's In Memoriam selection is explained after James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane and more stars were missing from the tribute at the 2026 Oscars
After swift online backlash, fans are learning why James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were not honored during the 2026 Oscars In Memoriam. A source tells Us Weekly that the Academy “receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues” to be featured during the emotional segment.
To narrow down the many requests, an “executive committee” is formed with members that represent every branch of the Academy. The insider explains that those committee members review the list and make “recommendations for the telecast based on limited available time.” For those who do not get a spotlighted moment during the live awards show, their names do appear on the Oscars’ website. All of the submissions are included on the site, where they remain for the duration of the year.On Sunday, March 15, Van Der Beek and Dane were noticeably missing from the award show’s tribute to those who have died in the past year. Both actors are, however, featured on the website’s tribute page. Fans expressed their disappointment online after noticing that both actors were excluded from the In Memoriam. “I know every year, the Oscars leaves out a few people who passed away. But these 3 were so recent,” one user wrote via X. “I’m sad they left out James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, and Robert Carradine. RIP.” Both Dane and Van Der Beek died weeks before the Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Van Der Beek died in February after a battle with colorectal cancer. The Dawson’s Creek alum was 48. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote via Instagram at the time. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.” James is survived by Kimberly, 43 and their six children, Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement to Us at the time. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.” The statement continued, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.” Dane is survived by Rebecca Gayheart, who withdrew her 2018 divorce filing in 2025 following the actor’s ALS diagnosis, and their daughters, Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane Not in 2026 Oscars In MemoriamJames Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were not remembered during the 2026 Oscars In Memoriam segment just weeks after their deaths
Read more »
Oscars: Brigitte Bardot, James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane Omitted From In Memoriam SegmentThe extended segment featured moving tributes to Rob and Michele Reiner, Catherine O'Hara, Diane Keaton and Robert Redford.
Read more »
Fans React to 2026 Oscars In Memoriam Segment SnubsFans reacted to Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek and others' notable absences from the In Memoriam segment at the 2026 Oscars
Read more »
Oscars 2026 in Memoriam Leave Out James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane & MoreThe 2026 Oscars In Memoriam segment honored many late industry figures, but several names appeared only on the Academy’s online list.
Read more »
James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane and more snubbed from 2026 Oscars 'In Memoriam' tributeBilly Crystal delivered an emotional tribute to legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner during the In Memoriam segment at the 2026 Oscars, joined onstage by stars from many of his most beloved films.
Read more »
Why Was James Van Der Beek Snubbed from Oscars In Memoriam?What happened?
Read more »