Academy Explains Why Luke Perry & Others Were Excluded From Oscars Tribute

The Academy has finally addressed the backlash regarding Luke PerryCameron Boyce, and other departed stars who were noticeably absent in the 2020 Oscars“In Memoriam” tribute.

On Tuesday (February 11), the organization issued the following statement explaining the controversial omissions in this year’s memorial: “The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry colleagues in the Oscars ‘In Memoriam’ segment. 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.”

Perry, who died in March 2019 of a massive stroke at the age of 52, starred in the Oscar-winning film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Given his visibility in the movie alone, fans were perplexed by the Academy’s choice to keep him from the show’s segment. “Excluding Luke Perry from the Oscars in Memoriam was disrespectful,” a fan tweeted. “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?”

Boyce, the Disney Channel star who tragically died from a seizure at 20 years old last summer, was also left out, along with Sid HaigCaroll SpinneyDenise NickersonRon Leibman, and a bevy of other beloved stars. 

It should be mentioned, however, that despite the absences, many of these stars and others do appear on The Academy’s gallery of 164 late celebrities, including Orson Bean and Michael J. Pollard. (You can view it here.)

Photo: Getty Images


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