Oscars 2026: Dharmendra's Absence Sparks Disappointment Among Fans

The 98th Academy Awards left many fans disheartened as legendary actor Dharmendra was notably absent from the In Memoriam segment. His exclusion raised eyebrows, especially given the Oscars' history of honoring Indian cinema figures. With a career spanning over six decades, Dharmendra's legacy in Hindi cinema is undeniable. The ceremony also featured emotional tributes to other cinema legends, including Rob Reiner and Robert Redford, amidst discussions about the notable omissions from the memorial segment. This year's Oscars highlighted both the celebration of cinematic achievements and the poignant reminders of those lost.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 08:57 IST

Oscars 2026 Leaves Fans Disheartened

The 98th Academy Awards, widely recognized as Hollywood's premier event, disappointed many fans in India when legendary actor Dharmendra was notably absent from the In Memoriam segment. Renowned as a pivotal figure in Hindi cinema, his exclusion was particularly striking given the Oscars' history of honoring prominent Indian personalities. Earlier this year, the BAFTAs had paid tribute to Dharmendra, making the Oscars' oversight even more glaring.

Dharmendra's Exclusion from In Memoriam

Dharmendra Snubbed at Oscars 2026

In recent ceremonies, the Academy has recognized various Indian talents during the memorial segment. For instance, art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai was honored in 2024, while the 2021 event paid tribute to actor Irrfan Khan and Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya. The 2018 Oscars also remembered Sridevi and Shashi Kapoor. Given this trend, many fans anticipated Dharmendra would be included in this year's tribute.

The Legacy of Dharmendra

Dharmendra's Enduring Impact

With a career spanning over sixty years, Dharmendra rose to prominence in the 1960s, quickly becoming a beloved star. His versatility allowed him to shine in various genres, including action, drama, and comedy. Iconic films like Phool Aur Patthar, Anupama, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, and the legendary Sholay solidified his status as a leading figure in Hindi cinema. His significant influence on the industry and subsequent generations of actors makes his absence from this global tribute all the more surprising.

Notable Exclusions from Oscars 2026

Oscars 2026 Excludes Other Notable Figures

This year's In Memoriam segment was expanded due to the numerous significant losses over the past year. However, several notable names were still omitted from the televised broadcast, including James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Robert Carradine, June Lockhart, Bud Cort, and Brigitte Bardot. Some of these individuals were only acknowledged on the Academy's official website.

Tributes to Cinema Legends

Emotional Tributes at Oscars 2026

Despite the controversy surrounding omissions, the segment featured heartfelt tributes to several prominent figures in international cinema. Billy Crystal honored director and actor Rob Reiner, reminiscing about their friendship and celebrating his contributions to films like This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, and Misery. Rachel McAdams also paid tribute to Catherine O’Hara and Diane Keaton, while clips showcasing the work of actors such as Val Kilmer, Robert Duvall, and Diane Ladd were presented. A standout moment occurred when Barbra Streisand honored her The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford, calling him an 'intellectual cowboy' and performing a portion of the film's title track, which earned her a standing ovation from the audience.