Brad Renfro Cut From Oscar Montage Of Those Who Died

And we had to listen to Bill Conti replay his 1978 theme for "Slow Dancing in the Big City" which was related to nothing in the show. Maybe he gave the Academy cheap re-use rights on his theme since he was designated conductor. Alas, and the stage designs were total Hollywood-tacky. What is this show about anymore, anyway?

Regardless of what you think about this, it is a misrepresentation to suggest that he was "cut" from the montage. To have been "cut" he would have had to have been included in the first place. By the way, his claim to fame, "The Client," wasn't even the best of the adapted Grisham novel films, let alone a good movie in its own right. For better or worse, he was a D-list actor with a very short resume'. Should that qualify him with an Oscar Show mention, just in order to make his family happy?

Who in the name of god cares??

The significantly more talented and accomplished Edward Yang went unmentioned, too.

"... Not just actors"? That is lame and disrespectful. Brad Renfro was a talented and troubled young man who left us too soon. He was an actor, his work is displayed in Hollywood, and he deserved to be honored with his peers. The Academy owes his family an apology, not an excuse. Roy Schieder will be honored next year, as his death fell outside their timeline. Perhaps next year they should set aside the timeline for a moment, and take an opportunity to pay respect to a Hollywood actor who paid his dues.

He should get together with Whoopi and raise hell!

The Oscars are a mess. No wonder it hit an all time low in viewership.

They should get their act together. (Pun intended)

It was a stupid move on the part of the producers to leave out Renfro. It was noticed and it stunk.

insult to injury...

Who is Brad Renfro?

It's simple. If you are going to list and honor those who died, you honor them all. Period.

Whoever did this montage should be fired, and an apology issued.

Simple.

It sucks that he was a child actor who basically succumbed to all of the trappings and they couldn't even give him a second of acknowledgment. It is a cruel business. They pretty much used him up and spit him out.

So what's the real reason for this?:

Renfro was doing heroin and other hard drugs. But no on ever saw Ledger do these. So in Academy logic that means that Ledger's way cooler than Renfro?

Looks like it's more of a massive case of cover-my-ass in case I'm called in a grand jury investigation. When Belushi died back in the 80's, both Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro were called in front of one.

So you can be a person of color. But if you're a drug addict or (God Forbid)gay or lesbian Hollywood will know who and what you are. They'll make money off you and with you. But remember, you're second class.

"...an editing DECISION..." but "...no specific reason."

Huh?

A decision is based upon a reason.

Obviously, they're trying to spin this as nothing, when it was obviously a decision that was discussed by the group of editors working on the segment, and a decision that was reached.

As for why, it's anyone's guess, though it does seem a tad like a snub, and I'm sure Renfro's family and friends feel that way. Too bad.

If you're going to include Ledger, who I believe was no more of a proven actor than Renfro (his Joker role hasn't even been released yet) I think Renfro should have been there too, considering the close timing of the two deaths, and nearly equal public attention they both got.

It just doesn't feel right to me. But it's not my call either.

Yep, that extra 2 seconds would have made the show run too long.

The theme from 'Jaws' was included in their memorable music montage but they left out Roy Scheider. Last night's show was run by a bunch of idiots. How could they leave out Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg and Chris Rock as hosts?

Pix of aging unknown "Executive" and "Agent" rolled on and on, but an actor we actually may have heard who died of is omitted. Huh? Hollywood is narcissistic and will undo itself in the process. Notice that it was mostly an International group who raked in the awards. "Make art!" was the appropriate rallying cry, but in La La they just worry about make-up, make contacts and make money. Soon our domestic advantage in entertainment will dwindle into a joke about itself with puffy lips and expressionless faces while the wrinkled but affable Brits take over dramatic dominence.

The "drug overdose" slot was taken.

The "drug overdose" slot was taken.