BAFTA Memorial Segment Sparks Viewer Fury Over Omitted Stars
BAFTA viewers have expressed widespread outrage after the in memoriam segment at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards omitted several prominent industry figures. The annual tribute, which honors those in the film and television industry who have passed away in the past year, left many fans deeply disappointed and critical of the ceremony's execution.
Notable Absences Draw Immediate Backlash
The segment, which featured a performance by Jessie Ware singing The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand, was quickly criticized on social media for excluding well-known stars. Eric Dane, known for his roles in television and films like X-Men: The Last Stand and One Fast Move, was notably absent. Dane tragically died on February 19, 2026, at age 53, after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Other omissions included Claudia Cardinale, a celebrated actress, and James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, who passed away this month at 48 following a fight with colorectal cancer. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their frustrations, with many calling the oversight disrespectful and poorly planned.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
Viewers flooded social media with comments highlighting the perceived failures of the memorial segment. One user questioned, "No Eric Dane?" while another wrote, "Hold on just a minute, why was Eric Dane not in that tribute video then? #BAFTAs." A third vented, "Yet again, BAFTA mess up the tribute section. There was more focus/footage of Jessie Ware than anyone else and how insulting to put 3 names on the screen at once. I'd rather see less of Ware and more of the tributes. Instrumental next time, no performance #BAFTAs."
Additional complaints pointed out missing names like Bela Tarr, with one fan asking, "Why was Bela Tarr not in the In Memoriam sequence in tonight's BAFTAs?" Another commented, "Poor oversight by BAFTA. James Van der Beek and Eric Dane should have been included in the memorial section #BAFTAs."
Background on the Omitted Stars
Eric Dane's passing came less than a year after he revealed his ALS diagnosis. He began experiencing symptoms in early 2025 and lost the use of his right arm and hand by October 2025. He is set to appear posthumously in the film Family Secrets, though no release date has been confirmed.
James Van Der Beek's wife shared a statement earlier this month, saying, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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."
The backlash underscores the emotional weight of memorial segments in award ceremonies, with viewers expecting a comprehensive and respectful tribute to all significant figures in the industry.
