Oscars 2026: Son of IMAX pioneer blasts Academy for snub during ‘In Memoriam’ segment
Geoff Keighley, the son of IMAX pioneer David Keighley, has blasted the organisers of this year’s Oscars for snubbing his father during its ‘In Memoriam’ section.
Keighley passed away in September last year at the age of 77, but despite his huge contribution to film with his innovation of the IMAX format, a tribute to his life was not given during the show’s extended ‘In Memoriam’ segment.
Subsequently, Keighley’s son David took to X on the night and wrote: “So incredibly disappointed and heartbroken that the #Oscars and AMPAS chose not to include my father, David Keighley, and his immeasurable contributions to IMAX and cinema in the In Memoriam segment in the broadcast.”
He added, “I will never forget,” while sharing a picture of his father along with the IMAX logo.
Keighley was not the only individual who was snubbed during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment this year, despite its protracted length, with other notable omissions including Tom Noonan.
However, the most glaring snub came for French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot, who, despite passing away aged 91 in December, did not get a mention, likely due to her controversial political stance and expression of racist and homophobic views.
The ‘In Memoriam’ segment had been extended beyond its usual slot to include a more thorough tribute to acknowledge the number of major film figures who have passed away in the last year.
The most significant tributes were paid to Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and others, who were each massive legends in the Hollywood business.
These moments were each led by Billy Crystal, Rachel McAdams, and Barbra Streisand, who sang to round out the segment.
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