Hollywood is mourning many incredible actors and actresses who passed away recently, including beloved actor James Van Der Beek.
However, Van Der Beek was not included in the In Memoriam segment on Sunday, March 15, at the 2026 Oscars. He was joined by Eric Dane and Brigitte Bardot, who were also left out. However, they were included in the Academy’s In Memoriam 2026 tribute posted online.
The segment did include long tributes to other major Hollywood figures such as Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Robert Redford.
James Van Der Beek Died After A Courageous Battle With Cancer
Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, saying that he has been “privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the time.
His family released a statement after his passing, saying that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” they added.
Hollywood Paid Tribute To James Van Der Beek Following His Passing
GettySarah Michelle Gellar: “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.”
Chad Michael Murray: “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Emma Slater: “I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
Reese Witherspoon: Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Busy Philipps: “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister. But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Katie Holmes: “James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is scared — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression… these are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth.”
I wonder if they didn’t include them in the tributes because they passed away in 2026? Maybe they will be included in next year’s Oscars.