Multiple Notable Stars Snubbed in 2025 Emmys In Memoriam Segment

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards featured an In Memoriam segment honoring television stars and creators who had died over the past year, including Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Maggie Smith, Quincy Jones, and Ozzy Osbourne, with tributes led by Phylicia Rashad and musical performances by Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson. However, the segment drew significant criticism for omitting several notable figures such as wrestling star Hulk Hogan, actor Tony Todd, film stars Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer, as well as Polly Holliday, Phil Robertson, and others, leading to disappointment among fans and viewers. Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer, though primarily known for their film work, had notable television credits and were recognized only online in the full tribute, not during the televised segment. The omissions were attributed in part to time constraints and the traditional prioritization of television figures over those better known for film or music, despite some of the excluded having substantial TV roles. Other notable exclusions included Jonathan Joss and Lynne Marie Stewart, generating further backlash from viewers who felt these snubs overlooked important contributors to television history. Despite the criticisms, the awards ceremony itself celebrated major achievements, with Seth Rogen’s satire The Studio winning a record 13 awards, and adolescent actor Owen Cooper becoming the youngest Emmy winner in a supporting role.