The Academy Awards In Memoriam left out Joan Rivers. This is why

WHEN the Academy Awards paid tribute to the stars and filmmakers who died in the past year, one familiar face was left out. How come?

Meryl Streep presents the in memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

WHEN the Academy Awards paid tribute to the stars and filmmakers who died over the past year, there was one well-known face that was conspicuously absent.

But there’s a reason Joan Rivers was left out among names like Robin Williams and Maya Angelou. And it’s not just because she panned the red carpet so often.

Social media erupted with a mixture of outrage and sadness when the legendary comedienne was excluded from the In Memoriam.

No Joan Rivers in the montage??? She basically created the red carpet which makes all of these bitches millions. For shame!!!

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) February 23, 2015

Did I miss something or was Joan Rivers excluded fr #Ocars2015 Memoriam Tribute?#RIPJoanRivers. Gone but not 4gotten. pic.twitter.com/uztoOi3OQT

— Colette Phillips (@ColettePhillips) February 23, 2015

I have to say my peace here. I am very saddened by the fact that @Joan_Rivers was not represented in the 'In Memoriam' section of #Oscars15

— Christina Bianco (@XtinaBianco1) February 23, 2015

When Joan Rivers isn't mentioned in the #InMemorium segment pic.twitter.com/MX9Os6VSsk

— Eli Braden (@EliBraden) February 23, 2015

It’s understood that the honourees are chosen each year by a panel of Academy members. And to be included in the reel, the dearly departed must be a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture of Arts and Science.

It still stings for Rivers fans, who consider her an integral part of the annual Oscars telecast, bringing the A-list down a peg for its sartorial transgressions.

Snubs aside, the tribute paid fitting homage to many of the industry’s giants. It was capped by a stirring performance by Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.

Lauren Bacall

Mike Nichols

Robin Williams

Maya Angelou

Did the Academy make the right decision by leaving out Rivers? Leave your comment below.