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Academy Screws Renfro, In Memoriam

2/25/2008 3:34 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF

Brad RenfroSo in case you missed it, Brad Renfro was ignored during the "in memoriam" montage on the Oscars last night. You're not gonna believe the statement the Academy gave TMZ.

The tape featured 50 movie types who died in the last year. They included actors, studio execs, makeup artists, agents, and on and on. Renfro was nowhere to be seen. We asked the Academy why and they gave us the following statement: "It is simply not possible to include everyone in that segment."

Interesting. Renfro, whose credits include "The Client," "Apt Pupil" and "Sleepers," seems like a bigger player than Margaret Gardner, the head of the international division of a P.R. firm.

Someone in Renfro's world called the slap in the face "unbelievable and disgusting." We couldn't have said it better ourselves.


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The death tribute was from February 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008, as it was clearly displayed.

2329 days ago

the DQ    

They also screwed over Woopie Goldberg in the presenters/hosts clips. A 4 time host and one of only 2 black women to win this award and they leave her out.

Would be nice to hear what excuse they give you for that, TMZ??????? Please let us know!!!!

2329 days ago

Hey you    

"He was never nominated for nor did he win an Oscar. He also was not part of the Academy. That is why he was not included."

I'm fairly sure that the agents, stunt men, and many of the actors who were honored were never nominated for an Oscar either. Not a valid excuse. The Oscars are so lame in every way.

2329 days ago



The agents that were included are part of the Academy. The stunt men were in movies that were nominated or won an Oscar.

2329 days ago


Once again, the tribute was for those who died in the 12 months from 2/1/07 through 1/31/08.

That said, I found it wonderful that many people behind the scenes were recognized along with the actors. We may not recognize many of them, but their importance to the industry that is Hollywood was strong and, in many cases, had more successful careers than the stars who were honored.

2329 days ago

Glisten Garbor    

They screwed Whoopi too on that Oscar host montage..

2329 days ago


The oscars are old skool. You young punks are so stupid. Brad renfro is young and stupid and dead. why would he be included? The oscars are for decent people. you young kids think you know everything. He is a nobody. You dummies think qwen stefani can sing.

2329 days ago


Brad got screwed, no two ways about it. Absolutely tacky and distasteful!! As for Roy Scheider, he passed after January 31st, the cut off date, so he will be on next year's telecast, but who will be watching? Not ME!

2329 days ago

Anonymous 4.12.08 Expect us    

Disgraceful. A young, talented actor died way too soon, and they don't even aknowledge him. Wrong is wrong, and that's just wrong.

Rest in Peace Brad. I hope you finally found the peace you were so looking for.

2329 days ago


Once again, the Academy has proven how completely out of touch it is with the current generation. To me, the lack of Brad Renfro in the memorium was a purposeful judgmental slip because of the nature of his death. Shame on them.

They also ignored the passing of Marit Allen. She was the award winning costume designer who designed Broke Back Mountain as well as Eyes Wide Shut and Smilla's Sense of Snow. Take a look at her bio at:

2329 days ago

Hey you    

"The stunt men were in movies that were nominated or won an Oscar."

Brad Renfro was in movies there were nominated or won an Oscar. Three, in fact.

2329 days ago


I can admit when I'm wrong. Oops.

Not sure why he was omitted except for the possibility he was overlooked. I'm not familiar with anything he's done (never heard of him) but it may not have been intentional, more accidental.

2329 days ago


I noticed it as soon as it happened...and Roy Scheider too!!!

2329 days ago


He died on January 15th idiots!! Which I believe is BEFORE Jan 31st.

2329 days ago


Heath Ledger died in January of '08 and he was prominently--and deservingly--included in the tribute. Brad Renfro also deserved it. He very much deserved it. He was an outstanding actor who participated in memorable films. For the Academy to exclude him is appalling. I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt (oversights do happen), until I read their statement. My jaw hit the floor, as I'm sure many people's did. "The Client" was a movie, by the way, that made nearly 125mil. And he was one its stars. He made many people rich in Hollywood. Again--absolutely shameful and awful of the Academy to ignore him and to give such a weak statement. Hopefully, if anyone over there has any sense--they will make up for their error and include him in next year's broadcast.

2329 days ago

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