As the Oscars took off on Sunday on March 2nd, viewers took to social media to point out their outrage towards the Academy for not including the Ice Princess actor Michelle Trachtenberg in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the show.
Trachtenberg passed on Wednesday
Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive at One Columbus Place in New York on Wednesday 26 February. Her death was quickly confirmed by authorities as well as her family and friends. She was only 39 years old.
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The actress starred in a lot of iconic shows and movies from the 2000s and was best known for her roles in Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Ice Princess. She also starred in 17 Again with Zac Efron.
Her death was confirmed by her family
Trachtenberg’s death was confirmed by her family through a statement from a representative who said: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
NYPD also confirmed her death and ruled out any foul play as it said in a statement: “Criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”
She wasn’t featured at the Oscars
When the moment came for the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the Oscars where the Academy Awards took a moment to honor late stars in the industry, Trachtenberg wasn’t featured.
A lot of viewers following the event at home were upset at her exclusion, with many taking to social media to express their outrage as she wasn’t honored with other stars.
People pointed out the timing
While some might think that her exclusion was because she passed too close to the time of the ceremony, giving the Academy no time to edit the program, one person pointed out that Hollywood legend Gene Hackman‘s death was announced after Trachtenberg but was still included.
“W*F??? #Oscars2025. In Memoriam tribute didn’t include Michelle Trachtenberg???? W*F SHE DIED BEFORE GENE AND HE WAS IN IT,” one user wrote on Twitter/X.
Other people just felt disappointed
“Michelle trachtenberg not being mentioned in the in memoriam section of the oscars is upsetting , you are and will remain so so loved and admired michelle,” one person wrote.
“Not including Michelle Trachtenberg is totally disrespectful. She was an amazing and fantastic actress on the small and big screen,” a third added.
Certainly, she might not have been featured in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the Oscars where others like Gene Hackman were given a moment of deserved honor, but Michelle will always be admired by her fans and co-stars alike.
Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Nour Morsy
