Left Out: Naya Rivera, Jessica Walter, Oscar-Nominated Songwriter Snubbed From Oscars 2021 In Memoriam Segment
The tears usually start flowing when the Academy looks back on all of the actors, writers, directors and composers lost in the last year, and the Sunday, April 25, ceremony was no different.
The 93rd Academy Awards paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, DMX, Kelly Preston, Diana Rigg and countless others who made contributions in film. But, also like in previous years, some stars were noticeably left off the list. Glee star Naya Rivera, Arrested Development actress Jessica Walter and songwriter Adam Schlesinger were not included in the annual In Memoriam segment of this year's show.
Rivera, synonymous with the bold Santana in Glee, was a fan favorite on screen. Also known for TV roles in Step Up: High Water and guest roles in Even Stevens, 8 Simple Rules and The Bernie Mac Show, Rivera was also a film actress, starring in Mad Families in 2017 and the 2014 horror film At the Devil’s Door. Rivera was also snubbed during this year's In Memoriam segment at the Grammys.
Fans were outraged at the Academy for forgetting the Glee actress, 33, who tragically died from drowning last July in Lake Piru in Southern California.
One fan took things into their own hands and wrote a tribute for the star, tweeting: "#Oscars didn't, so I'm doing it. IN MEMORIAM OF NAYA RIVERA."
Walter was also excluded from this year’s segment. The Arrested Development star died last month in her home in New York. Walter has a resume that spans six decades, including notable roles in Archer, Good Girls, NCIS as well as film roles including 1971’s Play Mist for Me, 1978’s Dr. Strange and most recently 2020’s The Mimic.
The Archer actress’ fans were not quiet about their disappointment.
One Twitter user honored Walter on social media, questioning "how on earth" was she not included.
Songwriter Schlesinger, also frontman for the group Fountains of Wayne, was actually nominated for an Oscar in 1997 for Best Original Song for “That Thing You Do!” He was also excluded from last night’s segment. Schlesinger has notable credits, winning a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and co-writing 2003’s pop hit "Stacy’s Mom," among other accolades. The songwriter died from complications of the coronavirus last April.
Actress Rachel Bloom took to Twitter to honor the late songwriter’s legacy.
Although missed from the memoriam segment, these artists still had a tremendous impact on the film industry.
