Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Mar 16: The 98th Academy Awards paid tribute to several legendary artists and filmmakers who passed away between 2025 and 2026 during its traditional In Memoriam segment.

While the televised tribute featured a limited number of names with personalised tributes to Hollywood icons such as Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Catherine O'Hara and Diane Keaton, the organisers later released a more comprehensive list on the official Oscars website.

The expanded list included several notable personalities from Indian cinema, including Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar, B. Saroja Devi and Kota Srinivasa Rao.

Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors whose career spanned more than six decades and over 300 films, was honoured for his immense contribution to Indian cinema. Manoj Kumar, widely known for his patriotic films, was also remembered among the influential personalities acknowledged by the Academy.

From the South Indian film industry, legendary actress B. Saroja Devi was recognised for her remarkable career. She appeared in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. She passed away in July 2025 at the age of 87 after reportedly battling age-related ailments.

Veteran Telugu actor and former politician Kota Srinivasa Rao was also honoured in the tribute. He passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.

The list also included Hollywood actor Eric Dane, who passed away last month, among more than 300 actors, directors, producers and screenwriters from across the global film industry who were remembered for their contributions to cinema over the past year.

The In Memoriam segment remains one of the most emotional moments of the Academy Awards ceremony, paying tribute to artists whose work left a lasting impact on the global film industry