Not on the list. As per usual, the Oscars paid homage to the actors who died this past year in the In Memoriam tribute during the ceremony on Sunday, February 28. However, the Academy failed to mention the names of several accomplished movie vets who recently passed away.
Set to the moving sounds of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl singing Paul McCartney‘s “Blackbird,” the segment highlighted the talents of Wes Craven, David Bowie, Leonard Nimoy and Alan Rickman, among others. But there were six Hollywood heavy hitters who were noticeably snubbed.
Geoffrey Lewis:
The actor (and father of Juliette Lewis), who died April 7, 2015, held over 200 roles in TV and film, including several Clint Eastwood Westerns. Needless to say, his daughter wasn’t happy that his credits were overlooked during the show.
“I know @TheAcademy didn’t mean to overlook my dad #GeoffreyLewis in the memorium [sic]. who was beloved by so many,” the actress tweeted.
I know @TheAcademy didn’t mean to overlook my dad #GeoffreyLewis in the memorium. who was beloved by so many https://t.co/HKaEN9JscA
— Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) February 29, 2016
She later added: “It was an obvious oversite [sic] not mentioning my father #GeoffreyLewis beloved by all. At the end of the day its just a tv show.”
@TheAcademy It was an obvious oversite not mentioning my father #GeoffreyLewis beloved by all. At the end of the day its just a tv show ✌️
— Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) February 29, 2016
Tony Burton:
Burton, who died February 25, 2016, was best known for his starring role as Apollo Creed’s trainer, Duke, in all six Rocky movies. While he also had roles in iconic films such as The Shining and Stir Crazy, his contributions were not acknowledged.
Joan Leslie:
The actress, who died at 90 years old on October 12, 2015, found fame after starring alongside Humphrey Bogart in High Sierra and Fred Astaire in The Sky’s the Limit.
George Gaynes:
Gaynes, who died February 15, 2016, played Commandant Eric Lassard in the Police Academy movies. He was also known for his parts in the Punky Brewster TV series as well as the 1982 film Tootsie.
Abe Vigoda:
The actor, who died January 26, 2016, made a name for himself by playing roles including Detective Phil Fish on the 1970s ABC sitcom Barney Miller and mob boss Sal Tessio in the first two Godfather films.
Uggie the Dog:
The adorable Jack Russell terrier, who passed away August 7, 2015, at the age of 13, was not given recognition for his work in The Artist and Water for Elephants.
Tell Us: Were you surprised these actors were snubbed by the Academy?
