After a quick internet backlash, fans learned why James Van Der Beek again Eric Dane they were not honored during the 2026 Oscars In Memoriam.
The source tells Us Weekly that the Academy “receives hundreds of requests to include our loved ones and industry partners” to be included during the emotional segment. In order to reduce the number of applications, a “managing committee” was created with members representing all branches of the School.
The insider explains that those committee members review the list and make “television recommendations based on the limited time available.”
For those who don’t get a moment in the spotlight during the live awards show, their names appear on the Oscars website. All submissions are posted on the site, where they remain throughout the year.
Us has contacted the Academy for comment.
On Sunday, March 15, Van Der Beek and Dane were noticeably absent from the program honoring those who died in the past year. Both actors, however, are featured on the tax website.
Fans expressed their disappointment online after realizing that both actors were not included in the In Memoriam.
“I know every year, the Oscars leave out a few people who die. But these 3 are the latest,” one user wrote about X. “I’m sad that they left out James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, and Robert Carradine. RIP.”
Both Dane and Van Der Beek died a few weeks before the Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Van Der Beek died in February after a battle with skin cancer. I Dawson’s Creek grandmother was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beekshe wrote on Instagram at the time. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. He has so much to say about his passion, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn 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.
About a week later, Dane died following his battle with ALS. I Grey’s Anatomy grandmother was 53 years old.
The 2026 Oscars had an emotional segment in Memoriam that missed a few celebrities. During the awards show on Sunday, March 15, Rob Reiner, his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, Robert Redford and Diane Keaton were members of the film industry who received a long tribute from their former clients. Catherine O’Hara was also mentioned at the sad time […]
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Dane passed away Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement to us at the time. “He spent his last days surrounded by his 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 to others facing the same battle. He will always be deeply missed and remembered with love. Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane is left with him Rebecca Gayheartwho dropped her 2018 divorce filing in 2025 following the actor’s diagnosis of ALS, along with their daughters, Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14.
