Oscars Remove Michelle Trachtenberg from In Memoriam Segment

The Academy Awards’ annual In Memoriam segment is meant to honor the talented individuals the entertainment industry has lost over the past year.

However, this year’s tribute sparked controversy when fans noticed that actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically passed away just days before the ceremony, was left out.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. The actress, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, EuroTrip, and Gossip Girl, was beloved by fans for her versatility and charm on screen.

News of her death emerged just days before the 96th Academy Awards, leading many to assume that she would be included in the In Memoriam segment.

However, when the tribute played during the broadcast, featuring a montage of legendary actors, directors, and industry figures, Trachtenberg’s name was nowhere to be seen.

Almost immediately, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to express their disappointment.

As soon as the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment aired, social media platforms flooded with reactions questioning why Trachtenberg had been excluded.

Many pointed out that while she may not have been an Oscar-winning actress, she had a significant impact on Hollywood, particularly in television and film during the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

“Michelle Trachtenberg deserved to be honored. How do you forget someone who was part of so many iconic roles?” one fan tweeted.

Another wrote, “The Academy does this every year. Leaving out someone as beloved as Michelle Trachtenberg just days after her passing? Unacceptable.”

Trachtenberg’s omission wasn’t the only one noted by viewers. The Academy often faces backlash for failing to include certain names in the tribute, either due to time constraints or decisions made behind the scenes.

However, given how recently she had passed, her exclusion stung even more for those still mourning her loss.

Several celebrities also voiced their frustration over the snub. Former co-stars and colleagues expressed their disappointment, with some sharing their own tributes to Trachtenberg online.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who worked alongside her in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:

"Michelle was a light in so many people’s lives. She was talented, kind, and left us far too soon. The Academy may have overlooked her, but we won’t."

Actor and friend Seth Green echoed similar sentiments, calling her omission “a glaring mistake” and urging the industry to “do better at remembering those who contributed to film and television.”

Following the backlash, the Academy issued a statement explaining that the In Memoriam segment is limited in time and that not all industry figures can be included.

They encouraged fans to visit their website, where a more extensive list of honorees was displayed, including Trachtenberg’s name.

While this has been a common response in past years when similar controversies arise, it did little to appease fans who felt that her contribution to Hollywood should have been recognized on the main stage, not relegated to an online list.

The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment has long been criticized for overlooking notable figures in the industry.

Every year, fans and critics debate the names included and excluded, with some omissions sparking more backlash than others.

In previous years, actors such as Luke Perry, Cameron Boyce, and Norm Macdonald were also left out, despite their significant contributions to entertainment.

The Academy has often defended its choices by citing time constraints, but many believe the segment should be expanded or given more flexibility to properly honor those who shaped the industry.

Trachtenberg’s exclusion has now become another example of this ongoing issue, and many hope it will spark a larger conversation about how Hollywood recognizes its lost talents.

Despite the Oscars’ oversight, Michelle Trachtenberg’s impact on Hollywood remains undeniable.

From her early days as a child actress in Harriet the Spy to her standout role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she built a career that spanned decades and left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.

Her work in films like Ice Princess and EuroTrip also solidified her as a versatile performer, balancing comedy, drama, and action effortlessly.

Beyond her on-screen presence, Trachtenberg was known for her kindness, humor, and dedication to her craft.

While the Academy may have failed to acknowledge her at this year’s ceremony, the outpouring of love and tributes from fans and friends proves that her legacy will endure far beyond a single awards show.

For those who admired her work, Michelle Trachtenberg will always be remembered—not just as an actress, but as a beloved figure whose contributions to film and television will not be forgotten.