The 2025 Academy Awards honored late film industry icons such as Gene Hackman, David Lynch, Jeff Baena, Maggie Smith, Bob Newhart, Donald Sutherland, and James Earl Jones during its annual "In Memoriam" segment on March 2. However, fans quickly took to social media to voice their outrage over the omission of two beloved stars: Michelle Trachtenberg and Shannen Doherty.
Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, passed away last week at age 39. Despite her contributions to the entertainment industry, the former child star was not included in the tribute, introduced by Morgan Freeman and accompanied by a performance from the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
"Where is Michelle Trachtenberg in the memoriam? She deserved to be there #Oscars2025," one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, "No tribute for Michelle Trachtenberg? Lame."
While many of Trachtenberg's most notable roles were on television, she also appeared in numerous films, including EuroTrip and Ice Princess. Fans argued that her contributions to cinema warranted recognition during the ceremony.
Shannen Doherty, who passed away in July 2024 at age 59 after a long battle with stage 4 breast cancer, was also left out of the segment. Her omission drew sharp criticism, particularly given her role in the cult-classic film Heathers and other movie appearances, in addition to her celebrated TV career in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed.
Doherty’s longtime representative spoke out about the Academy’s decision, telling TMZ, "It was really disappointing to not see her honored at the ceremony."
Fans echoed this sentiment online. "No Shannen Doherty—star of one of the great films HEATHERS—in the In Memoriam is an outrageous slap in the face," one user wrote on X. Another commented, "The #Oscars not showing Shannen Doherty hit me like a brick. They missed so many people. But she’s forever a winner in my eyes & heart."
Michelle Trachtenberg and Shannen Doherty were not the only stars absent from the tribute. Fans also pointed out the exclusion of Candyman actor Tony Todd, Titanic star Bernard Hill, and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, further fueling criticism of the Academy.
Although Trachtenberg and Doherty were not honored at the Oscars, both were recognized in other industry memorials. The Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics Choice Awards included Doherty in their tributes earlier this year.
Additionally, Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Jennie Garth publicly paid tribute to Doherty, sharing on Instagram, "Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other, but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship, which was built on mutual respect and admiration. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories."
Source: E! News
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