“Unveiling the Unthinkable: Why Michelle Trachtenberg’s Absence from the Oscars In Memoriam Left Fans Reeling”
Added on March 3, 2025 inCelebrity News Cards, Entertainment News Cards
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How often do we scroll through our feeds and see news that just—well, stops us in our tracks? That’s exactly what happened last week when the shocking news broke; Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her iconic roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, passed away at just 39. I mean, if you’re anything like me, you heard this and thought, “No way! Not her!” It’s a gut punch, especially when memories of her performances flood back like a cinematic time machine.
But this isn’t just about mourning; it’s about the unsettling ripple effect her passing has had on the glitzy world of Hollywood—particularly at the 2025 Oscars. The ceremony rolled out its traditional In Memoriam segment, where we remember the stars we’ve lost. But hold on—where was Michelle? A glaring omission, perhaps matched only by a few other unexpected absences. So, how did this come to be, and what does it say about the industry we adore? Let’s unpack this rollercoaster of emotions as we shine a spotlight on the fallout of these snubs. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this—it’s more than just a tribute; it’s a conversation worth having about who gets remembered and why.
LEARN MOREReading Time: 4 minutes
Michelle Trachtenberg tragically passed away last week.
Many of her fans and former costars are still in shock. This was so unexpected.
The 2025 Oscars have come and gone with relatively few surprises in the mix.
But this year’s In Memoriam segment of the Oscars snubbed Trachtenberg. And she was not the only conspicuous exclusion.
On Sunday, March 3, the 2025 Oscars telecast included the familiar tribute to deceased stars — and a few others from within the film industry — who have died over the past year.
The segment used the “Lacrimosa” section from Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor,” which is often a tasteful decision.
Late titans of the entertainment industry like David Lynch, Dame Maggie Smith, Shelley Duvall, James Earl Jones, Donald Sutherland, and even Gene Hackman — whose tragic death was discovered last week.
It did seem odd to some viewers that Michelle Trachtenberg did not make the In Memoriam segment.
After all, she had an extensive filmography. Though she died at only 39, she had been a child actress and thus worked for decades.
Certainly, many A-list actors knew her. People attending the Oscars had known her for years or even decades.
News of Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing broke hours before the discover of Gene Hackman and his wife (and one of their dogs) dead in their Santa Fe home.
It’s true that most people are more familiar with Trachtenberg’s work in things like Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl than in films like Mysterious Skin or Black Christmas. Gene Hackman was famous specifically for his film work.
But many would argue that Alec Baldwin is now more famous for his television work than in film — but if he passed, he would be unlikely to receive a snub like this.
There were other snubs at the Oscars In Memoriam segment.
One particularly notable one was Tony Todd. Many of us know this actor from his science fiction work, like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Stargate SG-1, and Babylon 5: A Call To Arms.
But, in addition to these live action television work and to his phenomenal voice acting (he had a very distinctive voice), Todd was perhaps best known for his work in the horror genre. It was strange to many to see him not receive a tribute, even if he worked in a genre that is sometimes disparaged.
Similarly, Shannen Doherty passed away in the summer of 2024 after an extended battle with cancer.
Like Michelle Trachtenberg and Tony Todd, many associated her more strongly with her television work.
But she was also in Mall Rats, Heathers, and other classic films. Her exclusion from the Oscars In Memoriam felt weird.
Perhaps we should all keep in mind that decisions like the Oscars In Memoriam tribute are deeply political. We don’t mean in terms of political partisanship, but rather in terms of who receives honors at the Oscars specifically in contrast with who is considered a “different” type of actor.
Clearly, Michelle Trachtenberg, Shannen Doherty, and Tony Todd did not fit someone’s idea of iconic actors. That’s sad.
But look, if you’ve ever read what Oscars voters actually think about films, you come to understand the thinking behind these awards.
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