Dharmendra left out of Oscars 2026 In Memoriam segment leaving fans angry

In the Oscars 2026 Memoriam, the Academy honoured the industry losses over the past year. However, the legendary actor Dharmendra was missed from on-air tribute but was named in the list online

While the 98th Academy Awards celebrated cinematic triumphs with glitter and applause, a solemn moment brought the ceremony to a pause. The “In Memoriam” tribute emerged as one of the night’s most moving segments, especially for audiences in India. This year's memorial acknowledged a number of respected members of the film industry who passed away during the last year.

 

From moving performances to unforgettable stories, many well-known movie stars had a significant impact on viewers of all ages. Legendary Indian actor Dharmendra, who passed away last year, was mentioned on the Oscars' official "In Memoriam" list online but was left out of the on-air tribute.

 

Global stars tributed at the Oscars 2026

Several well-known figures from the film industry who passed away in the past year were honoured in this year's tribute. Popular Indian movie stars like Dharmendra, B Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, and Kota Srinivasa Rao were among them. Additionally, the segment honoured Bangladeshi actress Jayashree Kabir and acknowledged her contributions to the film industry.

 

The montage extended beyond Indian cinema, also paying tribute to actor and comedian Catherine O’Hara, who was widely recognised for her memorable roles in both film and television. Beyond acting, the Academy also recognised creative personalities. Giorgio Armani, a renowned Italian fashion designer, was featured because of his close ties to Hollywood. His designs have frequently been used in film collaborations and on red carpets. 

Fans react to Dharmendra’s absence from the on-air tribute

Many fans in India quickly expressed disappointment over the late actor’s omission from the televised tribute. “The Oscars showed a list of people who passed away last year, yet didn’t mention Dharmendra—a legendary Indian actor who gave his entire life to cinema. Why so much hype when our icons get no recognition? After all, it’s mainly a Hollywood show, not truly international,” commented a fan on Twitter.

 

As many publications in the West listed actors and technicians omitted from the segment, several Indian fans immediately responded with Dharmendra’s name in the comment section.

About the long-standing 2026 Oscars tradition

At the Academy Awards, the "In Memoriam" section is a common and esteemed tradition. It is devoted to honouring artists, technicians, and other professionals whose contributions influenced the film industry. The homage showcased their artistic career and influence through a meticulously crafted montage of archive images and background music.

 

The event's organisers had stated in advance that they intended to use a novel strategy and go beyond the conventional film montage. Only a small number of names were featured on the broadcast by the Academy. Later, the official Oscars website released a more thorough In Memoriam list.