BAFTA faces viewer backlash after leaving Eric Dane, James Van Der Beek out of tribute

LONDON, ENGLAND: Viewers criticized the 2026 BAFTA ceremony after the British Academy of Film and Television Arts left Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek were out of its annual In Memoriam segment.

The tribute, set to “The Way We Were” and performed live by Jessie Ware, was meant to honor stars who died over the past year. But many watching at home quickly noticed that Dane and Van Der Beek, who both died earlier this month following battles with ALS and colorectal cancer, were not included — sparking immediate backlash online.

Internet erupts over Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek omission at BAFTAs

During the In Memoriam segment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Ware performed Barbra Streisand’s classic ballad as images of late industry figures appeared onscreen. The tribute featured several well-known names from film and television.

Rob Reiner.

Soon after the segment aired, social media users began questioning why Dane and Van Der Beek were missing.

One user wrote, “Hold on just a minute, why was Eric Dane not in that tribute video then??????”

Another posted, “Where was James Van Der Beek in that tribute to all the actors???”"

A third commenter wrote, “Poor oversight by BAFTA. James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane should have been included in the memorial section."

Another viewer asked bluntly, “No Eric dane?"

One X user delivered a harsher critique, writing, “This is the most embarrassing tribute I have ever seen. You have literally spent more time focused on your fking singer than the people you are supposedly paying tribute to. Who ARE you paying tribute to? Jessie Ware? It's st when Oscar does, and it's shit here too. Pathetic"

Another user added, “There were people from the film industry not in it. Where was Eric Dane or James Van Der Beek?"

BAFTA responds to criticism over tribute criteria

Following the online backlash, a BAFTA spokesperson told the Daily Mail why Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek were not included in the 2026 In Memoriam segment.

“We honor those within the sector in which their work was most closely associated. Our TV Awards take place later this spring. James and Eric are remembered on our website,” the spokesperson said.

The response suggested the actors may be recognized during the television-focused ceremony instead, though some viewers argued the omission from the main awards broadcast was disappointing given their global recognition.

Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS battle

The entertainment industry continues to mourn Eric Dane, whose role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ made a lasting impact on audiences. He died on February 19 after battling ALS.

Sam Levinson, creator of ‘Euphoria,’ remembered Dane as a close friend. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift,” Levinson said. HBO also shared its sadness, praising Dane’s talent and his work across three seasons of the series. He is expected to appear posthumously in the upcoming third season as Cal Jacobs.

ABC and series producer 20th Television released a joint statement honoring the actor, praising his talent and courage during his illness.

James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ died on February 11 at age 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.

His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news on Instagram, writing that he met his final days with “courage, faith, and grace.” In November 2024, Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis publicly, saying he had been receiving treatment privately while focusing on his health and family.

In the months that followed, he shared parts of his cancer journey and frequently expressed gratitude for his wife and their six children.

As debate continues, many viewers say the controversy underscores how closely audiences connect to the actors whose work shaped their lives — and how omissions during televised tributes can quickly spark strong reactions.