Academy Screws Renfro, In Memoriam

Posted Feb 25th 2008 1:34PM by TMZ Staff

So in case you missed it, Brad Renfro was ignored during the "in memoriam" montage on the Oscars last night. You're not gonna believe the statement the Academy gave TMZ.

The tape featured 50 movie types who died in the last year. They included actors, studio execs, makeup artists, agents, and on and on. Renfro was nowhere to be seen. We asked the Academy why and they gave us the following statement: "It is simply not possible to include everyone in that segment."

Interesting. Renfro, whose credits include "The Client," "Apt Pupil" and "Sleepers," seems like a bigger player than Margaret Gardner, the head of the international division of a P.R. firm.

Someone in Renfro's world called the slap in the face "unbelievable and disgusting." We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Filed under: Celebrity Justice, Movies

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(Page 4 of 16)Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

46. The death tribute was from February 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008, as it was clearly displayed.

Posted at 1:40PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Ken

47. They also screwed over Woopie Goldberg in the presenters/hosts clips. A 4 time host and one of only 2 black women to win this award and they leave her out.

Would be nice to hear what excuse they give you for that, TMZ??????? Please let us know!!!!

Posted at 1:41PM on Feb 25th 2008 by the DQ

48. Uhm, Brad Renfro died in 2008, so he should be included in NEXT years Academy awards, like Heath Ledger will be

Posted at 1:41PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Ewww Gross

49. "Hello! The tribute was for 2007. He died in January of 2008. You'd think TMZ would get their facts straight before shooting off at the mouth about the injustice and contacting his family. Jeez, do I little investigating first."

Heath Ledger and Suzanne Pleshette both died in 2008. You do the investigating.

Posted at 1:41PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Hey you

50. "He was never nominated for nor did he win an Oscar. He also was not part of the Academy. That is why he was not included."

I'm fairly sure that the agents, stunt men, and many of the actors who were honored were never nominated for an Oscar either. Not a valid excuse. The Oscars are so lame in every way.

Posted at 1:43PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Hey You

51. "I'm fairly sure that the agents, stunt men, and many of the actors who were honored were never nominated for an Oscar either. Not a valid excuse. The Oscars are so lame in every way."

The agents that were included are part of the Academy. The stunt men were in movies that were nominated or won an Oscar.

Posted at 1:45PM on Feb 25th 2008 by HEY!

52. Once again, the tribute was for those who died in the 12 months from 2/1/07 through 1/31/08.

That said, I found it wonderful that many people behind the scenes were recognized along with the actors. We may not recognize many of them, but their importance to the industry that is Hollywood was strong and, in many cases, had more successful careers than the stars who were honored.

Posted at 1:46PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Ken

53. They screwed Whoopi too on that Oscar host montage..

Posted at 1:47PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Carly

54. The oscars are old skool. You young punks are so stupid. Brad renfro is young and stupid and dead. why would he be included? The oscars are for decent people. you young kids think you know everything. He is a nobody. You dummies think qwen stefani can sing.

Posted at 1:48PM on Feb 25th 2008 by old skool

55. Brad got screwed, no two ways about it. Absolutely tacky and distasteful!! As for Roy Scheider, he passed after January 31st, the cut off date, so he will be on next year's telecast, but who will be watching? Not ME!

Posted at 1:48PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Deb

56. Disgraceful. A young, talented actor died way too soon, and they don't even aknowledge him. Wrong is wrong, and that's just wrong.

Rest in Peace Brad. I hope you finally found the peace you were so looking for.

Posted at 1:48PM on Feb 25th 2008 by Anonymous 3.15.08 Expect us

57. "The stunt men were in movies that were nominated or won an Oscar."

Brad Renfro was in movies there were nominated or won an Oscar. Three, in fact.

Posted at 1:49PM on Feb 25th 2008 by HEY YOU

58. I can admit when I'm wrong. Oops.

Not sure why he was omitted except for the possibility he was overlooked. I'm not familiar with anything he's done (never heard of him) but it may not have been intentional, more accidental.

Posted at 1:51PM on Feb 25th 2008 by CJ

59. I noticed it as soon as it happened...and Roy Scheider too!!!

Posted at 1:51PM on Feb 25th 2008 by DOB

60. He died on January 15th idiots!! Which I believe is BEFORE Jan 31st.

Posted at 1:51PM on Feb 25th 2008 by kate

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