The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, saw the traditional In Memoriam segment, which honored stars who passed away in the last year. The segment, set to the haunting strains of Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor, was led by Morgan Freeman, who paid tribute to his close friend and co-star Gene Hackman, who passed away earlier in the year.

Other notable celebrities remembered included Dame Maggie Smith, Donald Sutherland, James Earl Jones, and filmmaker David Lynch. However, the tribute also sparked controversy, as several high-profile stars were omitted from the segment, including Chance Perdomo. Many fans expressed their disappointment, questioning the selection process and calling for a more inclusive tribute to those who contributed significantly to the entertainment world.

Despite the omissions, the In Memoriam segment remained a poignant moment at the Oscars.