Fawcett and Barry Omitted from Oscar Memoriam

The Oscars played their annual, heartwarming tribute to the deceased entertainers of the year, but noticeably missing was actress Farah Fawcett. Also neglected was actor Gene Barry, who was omitted for the same reason. According to the executive director of the film academy, the absences are because they were more famous for their television work, rather than their film work.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executive director, Bruce Davis, had realized many family members and friends would be upset, but stated that "an unusual number of extremely distinguished screenwriters" died this year, and after much discussion by the committee, Fawcett and Barry were left out. The Academy attempted to fit the screenwriters in a short montage.

Davis also explained that Michael Jackson was present in the memoriam because he had recently appeared in a popular theatrical film. He also added and apology to family and friends of Fawcett and Barry and said that he understands how much the omission of Fawcett and Barry must hurt to friends and especially to family.