Oscars 2026 tribute honours Rob Reiner, Catherine O’Hara; Dharmendra omitted

Hollywood: The In Memoriam segment at the Academy Awards ceremony in 2026 drew attention after veteran Indian actor Dharmendra was not included among the artists honoured during the tribute. The montage, presented during the event in Los Angeles, paid homage to several film personalities who died in 2025 but did not feature the Bollywood legend.

The omission surprised many viewers, particularly in India, given Dharmendra’s long and influential career in cinema. The actor, who debuted in the 1960s, was widely recognised for his performances in iconic films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar and Seeta Aur Geeta. His work across action, drama and comedy made him one of the most prominent stars of Hindi cinema.

Interestingly, Dharmendra had been remembered earlier in the In Memoriam segment at the BAFTA Film Awards held in February 2026. Over the years, the Oscars have also paid tribute to several Indian film figures, including Irrfan Khan, Sridevi, Shashi Kapoor, Bhanu Athaiya and Nitin Chandrakant Desai.

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The 2026 tribute largely focused on celebrating Hollywood artists who passed away during the past year. The montage featured subdued orchestral music instead of the traditional live performance and highlighted the personal and professional impact of those remembered.

Among the tributes, filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner received special recognition when Billy Crystal delivered an emotional address remembering their friendship and collaboration. Crystal referenced the film The Princess Bride, recalling memorable moments they shared during their careers.

Actor Rachel McAdams also paid tribute to Catherine O'Hara, describing her as an iconic talent and referring to her as a “Mighty Wind,” a nod to her acclaimed performances. McAdams also acknowledged Diane Keaton for her versatility and influence in cinema.

Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, after a prolonged illness. The actor was cremated in Mumbai and is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, along with six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Esha Deol.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Dharmendra was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards. His legacy continues to influence generations of actors and filmmakers across the country.