It’s a bit the same story at all galas: people complain that one or the other person has been left out when honoring the missing.
The 95th Academy Awards was no exception to this rule, which forced the Academy to issue a statement explaining their choice.
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Although big names who died during the year (such as Olivia Newton John, Ray Liotta, Jean-Luc Godard or Kirstie Alley) were honored, several people during the ceremony acknowledged the absence of Anne Heche, Charlbi Dean, Tom Sizemore and Paul Sorvino, in which Lenny Kravitz interpreted the piece Calling All Angels.
“The Academy receives hundreds of requests to include loved ones and industry peers in the Oscars In Memoriam segment,” the Oscars statement said.
“An executive committee representing each department reviews the list and makes a selection for televising based on the limited time available. All submissions are contained on A.frame and will remain on the site throughout the year,” added the Academy spokespersons.
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When the ceremony was televised on Sunday night, viewers were encouraged to scan a QR code at the end of the tribute video or visit the academy’s website for a full list of greats’ names.
Nonetheless, many observers perceived injustices when watching the TV feature In Memoriam.
This is particularly true of the Sorvino family, whose daughter of the late Paul, Mira, was particularly vehement.
“Incredibly hurt and shocked that my father’s irreplaceable contribution to the world of cinema has been ignored by everyone who made this list,” the Oscar winner wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.
Mira Sorvino won the 1996 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film Mighty Aphrodite.
Paul Sorvino’s widow, Dee Dee (who is not Mira’s mother), was also affected by her husband’s absence from honoring the disappeared.
It is “unacceptable” for her to limit her husband’s honor to a QR code.
Paul Sorvino died of natural causes in July 2022.