Jennie Garth criticises Oscars for leaving out Shannen Doherty from Tribute
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Jennie Garth has spoken out against the decision by the Oscars in 2025 to exclude Shannen Doherty from their In Memoriam tribute. Garth, 52, expressed her disappointment at Doherty’s omission from the segment while in New York, as seen in a video published by TMZ on Wednesday, March 5th. She described the exclusion as “messed up,” and when asked if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences should apologise, Garth agreed. Although Doherty was not featured in the broadcast, her name does appear in the official In Memoriam database on The Academy’s website.
The two actresses, Garth and Doherty, shared the screen on the beloved drama ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ in the 1990s. Doherty’s career spanned over 45 years in Hollywood, starting with roles in shows like Voyagers! and Father Murphy in 1982. Despite being known for her television work, she also appeared in notable films such as Heathers and Mallrats. Doherty battled cancer for several years before passing away in July 2024 at the age of 53. She first disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and later opened up about her stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE.
Following Doherty’s death, Garth was among the many friends and colleagues who paid tribute to her. She took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, reminiscing about their strong bond beyond the on-screen roles. Garth also discussed Doherty’s passing on her podcast, ‘I Choose Me with Jennie Garth,’ expressing the deep impact the news had on her emotionally. Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth’s characters on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh, respectively, left a lasting impression on fans of the show.
Apart from Doherty, other notable figures were also excluded from the Oscars’ tribute, including Tony Todd and Michelle Trachtenberg. Trachtenberg’s absence was particularly poignant, as she had tragically passed away just four days before the event on Feb. 26 at the age of 39. Todd, who died on Nov. 6, 2024, at the age of 69, was another omission from the montage. Despite not being featured during the broadcast, both Todd and Trachtenberg were listed in the official In Memoriam database on The Academy’s website.
The In Memoriam segment at the 2025 Oscars was introduced by Morgan Freeman and paid tribute to several late talents such as Gene Hackman and James Earl Jones. The emotional segment remembered icons like Shelley Duvall, Donald Sutherland, Maggie Smith, and others. However, the absence of Doherty and other overlooked individuals has sparked controversy and raised questions about the selection process for the tribute. The Academy is yet to address the specific exclusions that have garnered criticism from both industry insiders and fans.
In conclusion, the Oscars’ decision to omit Shannen Doherty from their In Memoriam tribute has stirred up a mix of emotions, with Jennie Garth and others expressing their disappointment. The incident has brought attention to the importance of honouring all individuals in the industry who have made significant contributions, ensuring their legacies are remembered and celebrated. As discussions continue surrounding the inclusion criteria for such tributes, the spotlight remains on recognising and paying respects to all those who have left a lasting impact on the entertainment world.