Dharmendra's Absence from Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment Sparks Mixed Reactions

The 98th Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment in 2026 notably excluded veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, sparking disappointment among fans, especially in India. While the Oscars honoured several Hollywood legends like Rob Reiner and Catherine O'Hara, Dharmendra's absence contrasted with the 79th BAFTA Awards, which included a tribute to him. The segment traditionally recognizes global film industry figures who died in the past year, and previous Oscars have featured Indian artists such as Irrfan Khan and Sridevi. Some reports, however, indicated Dharmendra was included alongside other Indian cinema icons, reflecting conflicting accounts of the tribute.