Oscars 2026: Dharmendra’s absence from In Memoriam segment draws criticism online

The In Memoriam segment at the 98th Academy Awards has sparked criticism from Indian audience online, after legendary Indian actor Dharmendra was not included in the televised montage.

The In Memoriam tribute, honours several film industry figures who passed away in the previous year. This year’s segment, which ran longer than usual, paid tribute to prominent Hollywood names such as Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara but, Dharmendra Deol, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 88, was not featured in the broadcast despite his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

Dharmendra, fondly called “He-Man”, was one of Bollywood’s most iconic and cherished stars. Known for legendary films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke and Dharam Veer, he earned a special place in Indian entertainment industry. He was honoured in the BAFTA 2026 In Memoriam segment earlier this year, making his absence from the Oscars even more noticeable to fans.

Each year, the Academy compiles a longer list of film personalities who passed away, as the televised segment cannot accommodate every name. While the actor was not part of the on-air tribute, the Academy later included Dharmendra Deol, B. Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, Jayasree Kabir, Kota Srinivasa Rao and documentary filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy in its extended In Memoriam list on its official website.

This late addition only fuelled frustration, with many viewing it as an afterthought rather than meaningful inclusion.

The omission quickly sparked disappointment online, with many viewers pointing out that the Academy’s televised tribute felt heavily skewed toward Hollywood. Several Indian fans described the segment as “mainly a Hollywood show, not truly international,” highlighting the limited global representation despite the Oscars’ claim to celebrate cinema worldwide.

Social media reactions were swift and emotional as several users on X expressed disappointment over the omission.

One user wrote: The Oscars showed a list of people who passed away last year, yet didn’t mention Dharmendra-a legendary Indian actor who gave his entire life to cinema. Why so much hype when our icons get no recognition? After all, it’s mainly a Hollywood show, not truly international.

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Another post said: “The Oscars showed a list of people who passed away last year, yet didn’t mention Dharmendra - a legend who gave his entire life to cinema. Why?”

Another post read: “Dharmendra shaped generations of Bollywood. Surprising not to see him in the tribute.”

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Another user commented: “The Oscars talk about global cinema, but the tribute still feels very Hollywood-centric.”

As the Oscars aims to represent the worldwide film community, moments like Dharmendra's omission remind viewers of the gaps that still exist. While the tribute's intent is to celebrate legacies, the execution sometimes leaves fans feeling that certain contributions (particularly from non-Hollywood industries) are undervalued.

The social media outcry not only honours Dharmendra's enduring impact but also calls for more balanced recognition in future ceremonies, ensuring beloved actors from all corners of the world get their due on the biggest stage.