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.
Us has reached out to the Academy for comment.
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.
Nearly a week later, Dane died following his battle with ALS. The Grey’s Anatomy alum was 53.
“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.
