The 2025 Academy Awards’ annual “In Memoriam” segment is meant to honor and remember the lives of those in the film industry who have passed away. 

However, this year’s tribute sparked backlash after actress Michelle Trachtenberg was noticeably absent from the montage.

The late actress, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Harriet the Spy, 

passed away just days before the ceremony, making her omission even more upsetting for fans. 

Many took to social media to express their frustration, calling the snub “shameful” and “disrespectful.”

Fans Outraged Over Trachtenberg’s Absence

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans who expected to see Trachtenberg included in the tribute. “Michelle Trachtenberg deserved her flowers!!! #Oscars that’s so sad,” one user posted, while another wrote, “Oh f—k y’all for not including Michelle Trachtenberg. So disrespectful.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one fan stating, “It’s shameful that the #Oscars didn’t include Michelle Trachtenberg in their memorial montage of all the actors/actresses who have passed within the year!!!!” Another user expressed deep disappointment, writing, “Michelle Trachtenberg not being mentioned in the In Memoriam section of the Oscars is upsetting. You are and will remain so, so loved and admired, Michelle.”

Beyond Trachtenberg, viewers also noticed that other well-known figures were left out, including Tony Todd, famous for his roles in Candyman and Final Destination, as well as Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty, Chance Perdomo, Tony Roberts, Linda Lavin, and Martin Mull.

A Star Gone Too Soon

Trachtenberg’s exclusion from the tribute was particularly surprising given the circumstances of her passing. The 39-year-old actress suffered cardiac arrest in her New York City apartment less than a week before the Oscars. Reports indicated that she had recently undergone a liver transplant, and while an external examination was conducted, her family declined an autopsy, leaving the official cause of death undetermined.

In the weeks leading up to her death, those close to her had expressed concern about her health. She was last seen dining with friends at an upscale Italian restaurant, where employees noticed she appeared frail and struggled to walk down the stairs. A neighbor also remarked that the actress had become increasingly thin and “looked less and less like herself” in the months before her passing.

Trachtenberg had previously dismissed speculation about her health, reassuring fans in early 2024 that she was “happy and healthy.” However, observers noted visible changes in her appearance, including weight loss, thinning hair, and yellowing in the whites of her eyes—signs often associated with liver disease.

The Academy Honors Other Film Icons

Despite the controversy, this year’s In Memoriam segment did pay tribute to several legendary Hollywood figures. Introduced by Morgan Freeman, the segment included heartfelt acknowledgments of Maggie Smith, Gena Rowlands, Teri Garr, Donald Sutherland, Louis Gossett Jr., Shelley Duvall, David Lynch, James Earl Jones, and Gene Hackman. Freeman specifically honored Hackman, referring to him as “a dear friend.”

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, passed away at 95 in his Santa Fe home. His wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were also found deceased in their residence, prompting an ongoing investigation.

A Pattern of Snubs?

The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment has faced criticism in the past for excluding certain actors and industry professionals. Each year, fans voice disappointment when beloved figures do not make the final cut, though the Academy has never publicly explained the selection criteria. Some speculate that last-minute deaths, like Trachtenberg’s, may be overlooked due to production deadlines. However, many believe that with today’s technology, there is little excuse for such omissions.

As tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues, Trachtenberg’s legacy remains strong. While the Academy may have overlooked her during the ceremony, her impact on Hollywood and the fans who loved her will not be forgotten.

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