SAG's 'In Memoriam' Controversy: Hulk Hogan, Walking Dead Star Among Dozens Snubbed in 2025 Tribute

BY Alex Reed • MARCH 3 2026 AT 2:14 PM ET

Credit: Hulk Hogan; Mariann Faithfull; Rebekah Del Rio. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty; CA/Redferns; Kevin Winter/Getty

The Screen Actors Guild's newly rebranded Actor Awards sparked immediate backlash Sunday night when their "In Memoriam" tribute omitted over 30 prominent industry figures—including wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and The Walking Dead actress Kelley Mack—while honoring others like Diane Keaton and Robert Redford.

The segment, set to a live performance of Paul Young's "Everytime You Go Away," left fans and colleagues stunned by its glaring omissions. Among those excluded were Palestinian actor-director Mohammad Bakri, Vice Principals star Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Cannes-winning French actress Émilie Dequenne, and Our Gang child actor Sidney Kibrick.

Mohammad Bakri, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, and Kelley Mack—three of the many snubbed in SAG's tribute. Chelsea Lauren/Getty; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Barry Brecheisen/Getty

The Netflix live broadcast also failed to include Maria Riva (daughter of Marlene Dietrich), Dynasty actress Betty Harford, Mulholland Drive performer Rebekah Del Rio, indigenous trailblazer Dawn Little Sky, and musician Marianne Faithfull, known for her film and TV roles.

In total, more than two dozen additional names were left out: Ed Gale, Jan Schwieterman, Lynne Marie Stewart, Alice Hirson, Lee Joo-sil, Lorna Raver, Michael McStay, Lulu Roman, Damien Thomas, Patrick Adiarte, Brandyn Barbara Artis, Patty Maloney, Joe Marinelli, Joanna Bacon, Penelope Milford, Ed Williams, Floyd Levine, Jane Weintraub, Melanie Watson, May Britt, Jonathan Pienaar, John Eimen, and the Kessler twins, Alice and Ellen.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford—honored in the segment while others were excluded. Derek White/Getty; Charley Gallay/Getty; Arnold Jerocki/Getty

The tribute did feature industry giants who passed away in 2025, including Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Gene Hackman, Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Val Kilmer, Michelle Trachtenberg, June Lockhart, and Loretta Swit.

Following the segment, Sinners actor Miles Caton performed an uplifting rendition of the gospel classic "This Little Light of Mine," but the overshadowing controversy quickly dominated social media discussions.

Catherine O'Hara at the SAG Actor Awards in 2020—honored in the tribute while others were overlooked. Steve Granitz/WireImage

Rogen delivered an emotional speech honoring O'Hara, encouraging the audience to share her work, but the evening's focus shifted to the snubs, with fans and critics alike questioning SAG's selection process and calling for greater inclusivity in future tributes.

THE ENTBASE VIEW

"The SAG Actor Awards' 'In Memoriam' snubs reveal a troubling pattern in Hollywood's selective memory. While honoring A-listers like Diane Keaton and Robert Redford is expected, the exclusion of diverse talents—from Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri to indigenous trailblazer Dawn Little Sky—feels like a missed opportunity for true inclusivity. This isn't just about oversight; it's about whose legacies are deemed worthy of a spotlight. In an era where representation matters, SAG's tribute should reflect the full spectrum of the industry's losses, not just its biggest names. Let's hope this backlash prompts a more thoughtful approach next year."

CONTRIBUTOR: Alex Reed

Chief Film Critic. A veteran voice in cinema with a focus on directorial intent, narrative structure, and festival circuit standouts.