The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment is meant to be a solemn pause in a glittering night, but at the 2026 Academy Awards, it became one of the ceremony’s biggest flashpoints. Viewers across the world voiced disappointment after several names were missing from the televised tribute list, with veteran Indian star Dharmendra’s omission drawing particular anger and disbelief online.
As criticism snowballed in the days following the Los Angeles ceremony, an executive associated with the broadcast stepped forward to address the backlash and explain, in broad terms, how the emotional segment comes together.
Rob Mills Says The List Is The Academy’s Call, And “People Are Left Out”
Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television’s EVP of unscripted and alternative entertainment who oversees the telecast, defended the decision making behind the In Memoriam segment in an interview, while stressing that the final list is not determined by the broadcast team alone.
“It is the Academy’s call on who ends up on the list during the telecast,” Mills said, adding that the job is uniquely difficult. “I think it’s the hardest thing they possibly do. It always is hard when they are sort of villainised for this. Yes, there are always people who are left out.”
Mills also pointed to a grim reality the producers face each year as the roll call of notable losses grows longer. “Unfortunately, we’re losing more and more people, and especially, we’re losing legendary people every year, so it is probably the hardest needle to thread,” he said. Despite the complaints, he praised the final outcome, saying, “I do think what they did last night might have been the best In Memoriam in the history of the Oscars.”
Offering a glimpse into the planning process, Mills explained that producers can begin shaping the segment months in advance when major industry figures pass away. He also referenced the producers involved by name, saying it was “a big task” that “\[Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan\] met the moment beautifully.”
The Controversy, And Hema Malini’s Response
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony triggered the uproar after audiences noticed multiple omissions from the televised In Memoriam montage. The discussion intensified as Dharmendra’s name was among those missing, prompting strong reactions from fans who felt a globally recognised screen icon deserved a place in the on-air tribute.
Actor and politician Hema Malini also reacted sharply to the omission in a separate interview. “It is a shame, of course. A shame for them to have overlooked an actor who means so much to so many people across many parts of the world. Dharamji was known and recognised everywhere,” she said.
Dharmendra’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Dharmendra remains an enduring presence in popular culture, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by audiences across generations. Following the Oscars controversy, attention has also turned to his screen work in recent years and what is officially next for him.
At this stage, I do not have verified, cross-checked information on Dharmendra’s last three releases within the past 48 months or any confirmed upcoming theatrical project from reliable sources. Share any official project links or titles you want included, and I will update this section with only confirmed credits and dates.
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