Oscars Snub Sparks Outrage
Director Scott Derrickson has paid tribute to late actor James Ransone, voicing disappointment over his omission from the Academy Awards In Memoriam segment.
The ceremony honored dozens of industry figures, with prominent tributes to Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. However, Ransone — best known for his role in The Wire — was not included. He died by suicide on December 19 last year at the age of 46.
Derrickson, who directed Ransone in five films including Sinister, Sinister 2, The Black Phone and its sequel, shared a personal message following the broadcast: “The Oscars In Memoriam ignored him but I cannot.”
Ransone’s breakthrough came in 2003 as Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire, where he appeared alongside Dominic West and Idris Elba. He later portrayed Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person in Generation Kill, a miniseries from David Simon and Ed Burns.
He built a steady career across television and genre films, particularly in horror, with credits including In a Valley of Violence and The Black Phone, while Black Phone 2 marked his final project. In 2019, he appeared in It Chapter Two alongside Bill Hader, Jessica Chastain, and James McAvoy.
Ransone had spoken openly about struggles with addiction and mental health, as well as a difficult childhood. Following his death, accounts also emerged highlighting acts of personal bravery, including an incident in which he reportedly intervened to stop a sexual assault.
His absence from the Oscars tribute was among several noted omissions, including Brigitte Bardot, James Van Der Beek, and Eric Dane.
Addressing the criticism, Rob Mills of Walt Disney Television acknowledged the difficulty of compiling the segment as the industry continues to lose a growing number of notable figures each year.
The tribute featured Billy Crystal honoring Reiner, Rachel McAdams recognizing Keaton and Catherine O'Hara, while Barbra Streisand closed the segment with a tribute to Redford.
Ransone is survived by his wife and two young children.
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