Farrett Fawcett. Copyright 1978 by Bruce McBroom.
Yours truly would like to begin by letting the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) know that we understand your quandary today. Behind those cold gold statues, behind the lengthy telecasts and spirited pre-game run-up to every Oscars ceremony, is a gaggle of human beings doing their best to make it all work. And as the public occasionally needs to be reminded, humans are imperfect. We all make mistakes.
The difference is how you handle making those mistakes. Generally, one apologizes quickly and profusely if it’s a major screw-up. Like, say, forgetting to include Farrah Fawcett, one of the most recognizable stars of the ’70s and ’80s, in Oscar’s “In Memoriam” segment.
Full disclosure, AMPAS: I didn’t really notice the exclusion last night either. Sorry, readers. (See how easy that was?)
Television is my thing, you see. As such, I was perfectly content with Emmy’s memorial for the actress: A heartfelt montage of Fawcett’s most iconic small-screen roles that included scenes from “The Burning Bed,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “Charlie’s Angels,” as well as footage of Farrah, the person behind the icon.
Neither am I one of those viewers who combs through the “In Memoriam” segment. But most importantly, I am not on the committee in charge of compiling the list for Oscar’s “In Memoriam” feature.
It’s not hard to understand why the public’s shock at Fawcett’s omission is lighting up the media today. Obviously Fawcett’s longtime partner Ryan O’Neal is ticked…but according to her tweets, so is Star Jones. The venerable Roger Ebert tweeted a request for an explanation. We thought it was a given by now that to be on the wrong side of Roger Ebert is a bad thing, so one would think that the imperfect humans at AMPAS would be issuing their mea culpas quickly and furiously.
But…’fraid not. In fact, the only thing that AMPAS spokeswoman Leslie Unger would tell E! News in this article was that is was not an oversight. “No matter how carefully and how conscientiously people address who is included,” Unger told E!, “there are people who just simply can’t be.”
Here’s the thing, though: While it’s true that, as a number of TV specialists have pointed out online in social networking forums, Fawcett was primarily known as a TV icon, she did star in a number of well-known films. We’re not just talking about her two big Runs a la “Cannonball” and “Logan,” either. She had the lead in “Extremities,” and major supporting roles in Academy Award-nominated film “The Apostle” and “Dr. T and the Women.”
Look at “Dr. T’s” poster — that’s her face, second down on the right-hand side. That’s her name at the top, among a list of co-stars that includes Helen Hunt, Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson, and Laura Dern. One would think that during their evaluation as to who makes the list and who doesn’t, the AMPAS folks would have taken the time to look at the candidate’s credits on a certain website — or even their own member rolls. As The Wrap pointed out, Fawcett is an Academy member. Michael Jackson, who died within hours of Fawcett’s passing and made “Memoriam’s” cut, is not. The Academy also found room for a publicist, but not Fawcett.
It bears pointing out that this is not the first time the Academy has omitted actors in its annual remembrance segment. Two years ago the Academy left troubled actor Brad Renfro out of In Memoriam; Renfro died a week before Heath Ledger, who was prominently featured. According to The Wrap, AMPAS’s failure to acknowledge Dorothy McGuire’s passing in 2001 almost led to the Board of Governors doing away with the feature completely. Bea Arthur also happened to be absent from Sunday’s roster. Granted, her film roles were fewer than Fawcetts, but she did co-star in the 1974 big-screen version of “Mame.” That little film that starred Lucille Ball.
Do you think the Academy’s explanation was suitable, or should it apologize for Farrah’s snub?
#1 by Kevin - March 8th, 2010 at 17:00
Not only should they apologize for their flub, they should also find some way of recognizing Dan O’Bannon (writer of Total Recall, Alien and Dark Star, writer/director of Return of the Living Dead, design consultant on Alien, and the visual effects in friggin’ Star Wars), Lorena Gale (co-star of Wild Thing with Robert Knepper and Robert Davi, The Butterfly Effect, Slither, The X-Files: I Want To Believe, The Chronicles of Riddick, Halloween: Resurrection) and Edward Woodward (star of The Wicker Man, Hot Fuzz, Disney’s Aladdin and Breaker Morant).
#2 by Mary Cadigan - March 8th, 2010 at 17:03
An apology is definitely required. Why was Michael Jackson included and not Farrah? She made more movies than he did; she was known for her acting, he was known for his singing. Last I checked the Oscars were more about acting.
#3 by Marcela - March 8th, 2010 at 17:08
Considering the fact that Michael Jackson was most definitely not worthier to appear in the In Memoriam segment that Farrah Fawcett (because he… well, in how many movies did he appear? yes, his music adorned several films… but still…)… the Academy should apologize. Or if they are not going to, then at least explain the reasons why Ms Fawcett “just simply can’t be”.
But then again, we are talking about the people who used the Twilight kids to present an homage to horror films.
#4 by Jorge Romero - March 8th, 2010 at 17:15
It should it apologize for Farrah’s ommission. Period.
#5 by Mack - March 8th, 2010 at 17:26
There really wasn’t any excuse for it; I bet it wasn’t even discussed at the memoriam meeting. They forgot. Period. Michael Jackson never made any movies–they were music videos! What’s wrong with apologizing? I’m sure no one will sue.
#6 by Nelson - March 8th, 2010 at 17:32
The academy put Brad Renfro on the next year because he died after January 1st. If he died before then, he would have been on the same year as Heath Ledger, but he wasn’t because he died after then, and i remember seeing him on the list the next year.
#7 by A Funny Bunny - March 8th, 2010 at 17:52
I just knew her as a tv star, not a movie star. I didn’t even know the movies she was in. They also forgot Bea Arthur, who I thought was a better actress personally.
#8 by Melanie McFarland - March 8th, 2010 at 17:52
Hi Nelson, thanks for reading. To clarify: Brad Renfro’s date of death was Jan. 15, 2008. Heath Ledger died on January 22, 2008. In other words, Ledger also died after Jan. 1, 2008. Ledger was included in the Feb. ‘08 telecast’s Memoriam but Renfro was not, and for the same reason Fawcett was excluded. Here is a link to an article about it: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0182233/
#9 by Mark - March 8th, 2010 at 18:17
Its a shame that once again, Farrah was over shadowed by a [comment removed] like Jackson. Her death was almost forgotten in the wake of Jerko…. er Jacko. while yes he was a great Singer the only movie I can remember him being in was The Wiz. I really think they need to do all stars, not people we never heard of that worked at a studio a million years ago. I remember in 2000 they forgot to put Deforrest Kelleys picture in the Memorandum, granted he is mostly known for a small role he did in TV that last for over 40 years and a movie series that pretty much will live on forever, but some people CANNOT be forgotten. Farrah was a beautiful person with a soul that will always be remembered for her courage during a time when no one would have blamed her feeling sorry for her self,
Shame on the academy, as far as Im concerned I WONT be watching it next year.
#10 by Joaquin Guiraldes - March 8th, 2010 at 18:26
just one comment, heath ledger was NOT prominently featured, he was shown last, but he had no more time in the montage than any other actor. in fact most people felt that he was not featured enough.
#11 by Rob - March 8th, 2010 at 18:37
C’mon, Acad– didn’t Farrah suffer enough without having her memory dissed by her peers? We’re talking about respect, accountability, and the proper way to mourn the dead. Although there have been similar errors made in the past, clearly an actor who achieves what Farrah achieved was not intentionally omitted. Make it right, Academy, and admit it was an oversight. Tick-tock… we’re waiting…
#12 by Joseph Kearse - March 8th, 2010 at 18:44
I understand why so many people think she should be included, but I think because she was primarily a TV actress she should not be included. I say that although I liked her a good deal. Bea Authur made very few films and should not have been included (I think there were none of great note). Dorthy McGuire SHOULD have been included. She was predominately a movie actress. Michael Jackson should not have been included at Oscar. I was sadden many years ago when DeForest Kelley didn’t make the cut. He was predominately a western star (although a secondary player) who happened to also do a popular TV show at the end of his career (Star Trek, as well as 6 Trek movies.) Was he a bigger star than Farrah? No, but he was notable and PREDOMINATELY a movie star. I think we do need to give AMPAS a break, however. If you disagree, KINDLY let them know. I’m sure there are many pressures that they have with the “In Memoriam” Segment.
#13 by Jamie - March 8th, 2010 at 18:46
I’m going to have to agree that Farrah should have been included, primarily because she was an Academy member, but not necessarily because of her body of film work, which was minimal. I also have to agree with Kevin that omissions of Dan O’Bannon and Edward Woodward were atrocious; two men whose contributions to film over decades was more than substantial, certainly more than Farrah’s. You only get one shot to get it right at the Oscars. It’s live tv. There are no “reshoots”. Alas…
#14 by Jennifer Campbell - March 8th, 2010 at 18:51
I missed that portion of the show last night, so I didn’t know she wasn’t included. They owe her family and fans an apology, especially if she was a member of the academy. They should include everyone or do away with that segment and have just a general “We’ll miss you” to everyone. It isn’t right to claim someone more important than others, it took all of them to make the movies happen.
#15 by Dave - March 8th, 2010 at 18:56
The Oscars were an inept affair all around this year. The creators of the ‘In Memoriam’ segment also missed most of the Swayze portion because they focused on the singer (James Taylor) at the beginning rather than on the damn photos and names which the home viewers want to see. Also… I whole-heartedly agree with a previous poster regarding Dan O’Bannon & Edward Woodward. Do these researchers know what imdb.com is? Fawcett was a no-brainer to add as well. Very unprofessional.
#16 by Gerry - March 8th, 2010 at 19:35
The Academy included Carroll O’Connor in its “in memoriam” sequence a few years ago. He most definitely made his name in television, not film…and, in fact, if it were not for his TV work, he probably wouldn’t be remembered any more than a number of other minor supporting players in film. What gives, Academy?
#17 by Taryn - March 8th, 2010 at 19:49
Okay, while it was a glaring omission, so many celebrities died last year that I’m not surprised they missed more. That being said, it’s not the first time it’s happened. I remember the year after Gene Siskel died they forgot him, but Whoopi was hosting and she made mention of him. People do make mistakes, and I’m sure the appropriate people are being dealt with within the industry. There’s no need to demand blood. Have some sympathy.
#18 by Mark - March 8th, 2010 at 19:55
In Memorium featured a picture of Jennifer Jones (who got a segment later) with Jean Simmons name.
They were inept.
#19 by George - March 8th, 2010 at 20:32
The omission of Farrah was a glaring oversite, but not a reason to trash Michael Jackson’s inclusion. Michael was an Academy Award nominee, and too prominent a personage to exclude.
#20 by SheQuon - March 8th, 2010 at 20:38
Please. They never even acknowledged the 2003 passing of Penny Singleton, whose list of credits is staggering (mostly Blondie films and other B-pictures, but still), and she is primarily responsible for actors receiving residuals for their work to this day.
#21 by David L. - March 8th, 2010 at 21:19
Yes, omitting Farrah Fawcett was wrong if only for Extremities and The Apostle, two great performances, but no more an outrage than omitting Dorothy McGuire and Peggy Lee, two women they previously nominated for acting Oscars!!! Now that is an outrage!!! Michael Jackson did not deserve to be there, sorry. I’m afraid it’s too late for apologies. Really sad and insensitive!!!
#22 by Adam Currey - March 8th, 2010 at 21:31
This is blown way out of proportion.
So she should have been honored because she was in Logan’s Run, Cannonball Run and Dr. T and the Women? If they put everyone who died this year that had been in three or four movies up on the screen the oscars would still be going on. The point is to put up those who made contributions to film. Everyone here is concerned because she was a celebrity. Let the Emmys do something…
#23 by Allen Blank - March 9th, 2010 at 02:44
Another name not mentioned was henry Gibson. Yes he was famous for Laugh-in and other TV appearences, but he also worked hard in movies since the start of his career. He appeared in “THe Outlaws Are Coming” and Billy Wilder’s “Kiss Me Stupid” early in his career, then who could forget his role in “Nashville” and other Robert Altman films like “The Long Goodbye”, more recently he was in “The Wedding Crashers”. He has a large number of Film credits.
#24 by Allen Blank - March 9th, 2010 at 03:17
Here’s another one who while did have two hit Tv shows had extensive film credits and infact started her career in films, Glae Storm. Why wasn’t she included in the Oscar tribute too. Pllus once again they started their tribute while focusing on James Taylor so there were two people right after Pactrick Swayze and before Jean Simmons that I couldn’t read or see who they were.
#25 by Reenita - March 9th, 2010 at 03:23
Every year they forget someone. Every year the memorial segment comes off like an afterthought. Wouldn’t surprise me if they stop doing it. When you think of what time was wasted on. The dance segment even though it was honoring Best Score?? The very long segment honoring teen & family flick director John Hughes?? Was that fair? Two greats honored for a body of work (Roger Corman & Lauren Bacall) had to wave from their seats. But Hughes gets a honor that other late distinguished directors have never gotten! Michael Jackson has been honored with a ton of major tributes since he died. Yes Farrah Fawcett should have been included.
#26 by Caryn Valli - March 9th, 2010 at 06:24
This is just another example of this year’s Oscars being handled ineptly. The omissions of Dan O’Bannon and Edward Woodward were outrageous. A number of character actors were omitted (other web sites have whole lists going on, but I’ll just mention one who hasn’t been mentioned on this site yet: Zelda Rubinstein). And the Farrah omission was unfortunate, mainly for 2 reasons: she was an Academy member, and “Logan’s Run” actually won an Oscar (even if it was a special Oscar for achievement in VFX), which you would think would guarantee its stars a mention in the “in memoriam”. Fine, you can’t include everyone, but a) considering they spent 8 minutes on a dance number and 10 minutes on a badly-handled John Hughes tribute, not to mention the way-too-long clips for everything, it would’ve been possible to cut some of that stuff and add a few more names to the “in memoriam”. And b) if Michael Jackson is listed – and I don’t think him not being in the list would’ve created an uproar, considering it’s not the Grammys or something – you can list some actual actors too.
#27 by Bobbi S - March 9th, 2010 at 07:49
I was appalled that the Academy didn’t have the thought to include Farah Fawcett. They absolutely should apologize. Shame on them. This woman touched the lives of many with her acting and her fight for a horrendous disease. Her plight touched the hearts of many. Shame, shame, shame on them.
#28 by Steve Wright - March 9th, 2010 at 08:36
It has nothing to do with the quality or quantity of her movies, it has everything to do with the fact she was a dues paying member of the union. She was one of them and Micheal was NOT. this is “remembering our members” not “remembering every Tom Dick and Harry who died”
#29 by Bonzo Grape - March 9th, 2010 at 09:16
Brittany Murphy and Michael Jackson — and not Farrah ??
Very offensive snub – bottom line.
#30 by Rosie Balusek - March 9th, 2010 at 10:17
They should definatley apologize and possibly eliminate the segment altogether since it now appears that they regularly omit deserving actors. They just seem heartless to me now. And to include Michael Jackson just makes it that much harder to accept.
#31 by Jerry A. Stein - March 9th, 2010 at 10:33
The # of unknowns in and popular and knowns out was a joke.
#32 by Lisa - March 9th, 2010 at 12:45
When they announced Michael Jackson in the Memoriam, I kept waiting for Farrah Fawcett’s…???? Since, she died the same day and she was a Academy member!
Very sad and (NO CLASS SHOWN BY THE ACADEMY!) Disgusting Behavior!
#33 by Meg Hammil - March 9th, 2010 at 14:52
i wasnt so upset about farrah being overlooked as i was Edward Woodward, one of the great actors of his generation….but i think it wouldnt have hurt to include her…as for the nonsense about only including
30 people, thats absurd…honor the people with the standing to be honored, esp when they are members of the acadamy
#34 by Frokostordning - March 9th, 2010 at 15:38
Hmm that’s very interessting but honestly i have a hard time understanding it… wonder what others have to say..
#35 by urbalgotit - March 10th, 2010 at 09:10
What about Dan O’Bannon? he was snubbed and he wrote Total Recall and Alien, and directed such B horror schlock as Return of the Living Dead…COME ON!
#36 by Gregory - March 11th, 2010 at 23:40
Given the number of names noted here that were not included in the In Memoriam segment, and also that only a relatively few people listed these names here, this implies that there are many more who are routinely not included in this tribute, So, so many are excluded, missed. But what would happen to your and my opinions if all were placed in the hands of a popular vote? If this stands your hair on end, then you are perhaps a member of the elite? Personally, I suggest a new awards show that is solely committed to what in the Jewish faith is called “sitting Shiva,” or the 7-day period of mourning for the loss of a loved one. In fact, this mourning is a celebration of the gift of this person’s life, their contributions to your life. This might be a one-two hour program, supported both by popular vote and the opinions of SAG, the Academy, and the critics. It still might not include everyone, but it would certainly encompass a greater number of those sharing their gifts with us, and transform what seems to be slightly a token effort into something more focused. Just think about who has contributed to your life. Bet you miss someone, if only temporarily. (but then I’m sorta a sixties person who is keeping his 3D Avatar glasses in a safe place to be auctioned far in the future in memoriam to James Cameron, and the money sent to my son who, while well versed in the English language, had no words to describe Avatar when he told us we not only must see this film, but must see it in 3D).
#37 by Gregory - March 11th, 2010 at 23:43
And wasn’t Bob Crane included a while back in the In Memoriam segment?
#38 by vg21 - May 16th, 2010 at 10:37
Oh, my, that was a long time ago. I just rewatched the Oscar show and was upset – again – by Farrah’s omission. I realised it immediately that night as well and couldn’t understand – and haven’t found an explanation anywhere since then either.
The fact that Farrah was rather a TV actress won’t justify leaving her out since Michael Jackson was featured and I guess he had had even less to do with cinema than Ms. Fawcett. Anyway, this was a huge mistake, and if it was not accidental, it’s all the worse.