The 78th Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2026, showcased memorable performances and significant tributes, although not without controversy regarding notable omissions in the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment. This annual tribute, which pays homage to industry figures who have passed away over the preceding year, excluded some prominent names, including the beloved action star Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon, well-known for his role on the cult classic series *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*.
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Among the significant recognitions during the ceremony was a heartfelt performance by folk artist Noah Kahan, who sang Simon & Garfunkel’s enduring classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” This year’s In Memoriam portion acknowledged a wide range of entertainers who left a lasting impression on television, including Hayden Panettiere, James Van Der Beek, and Anthony Head. Noteworthy moments also celebrated the legacies of icons such as Dolly Parton and Rob Reiner.
Despite the emotional impact of the tributes, some fans expressed disappointment when they noted the absence of Norris and Brendon from the televised segment. Norris passed away in March at the age of 86, while Brendon, who was 54 at the time of his death, was remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. Other celebrities with connections to television, including Robert Redford, Patrick Muldoon, and voice actors Daveigh Chase, Peter Cullen, and Tom Kane, were also missing from the broadcast’s tribute.
Film critic Kyle Smith took to social media platform X to voice his concerns about Norris’s exclusion, remarking on the irony of leaving out such a prominent figure from television history. While these star-studded names did not receive recognition in the main ceremony, they were acknowledged in a searchable online version provided by the Television Academy.
Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, recognised the challenge of incorporating all deceased figures into the tribute. In statements made to both CNN and Variety prior to the awards, he highlighted the sheer number of “big iconic names” that had passed away over the preceding year, emphasising the impossibility of giving each the airtime they deserved in the televised segment. Abrego stated that the producers aimed to honour those who made significant contributions to the industry, even if it meant some names were inevitably left out.
During the programme, Gellar and Boreanaz, both former colleagues of Brendon on *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*, acknowledged the losses felt within their tightly-knit cast and crew. Their presentation of the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie served not only as a nod to their late friend but also as a reminder of the close bonds formed during their time on set.
The emotional tributes extended beyond the In Memoriam segment. Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, and Macaulay Culkin reunited on stage to share fond memories of Catherine O’Hara, celebrating her impactful career and the warmth she extended to her colleagues. Culkin offered a particularly touching sentiment, referring to O’Hara not just as a co-star, but as a maternal figure who had endeared herself to all who worked with her.
Reba McEntire delivered an uplifting rendition of Dolly Parton’s song “Appalachian Memories,” an homage to the country music legend who was also featured during the ceremony. The tribute was introduced by Sally Field, forging a connection between their illustrious careers in the entertainment industry.
Jamie Lee Curtis brought a personal touch to the evening by sharing emotional remarks honouring her late friend Rob Reiner. The anecdotes and sentiments conveyed by Curtis added depth to the remembrance of Reiner, celebrating his creative spirit and the joy he brought to his collaborations.
Overall, while the 2026 Emmy Awards succeeded in spotlighting numerous influential figures from the past year, the omission of beloved stars such as Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon left some feelings of dissatisfaction among fans. The evening served as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of talent that contributes to television’s legacy, though it also highlighted the challenges of fully honouring every individual who has impacted the industry.