The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recently faced backlash over the absence of Matthew Perry from the In Memoriam segment at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards. Perry, who passed away last October at the age of 54, was not featured in the tribute, leading to criticism from social media users who expressed their disappointment and confusion.
Twitter users expressed their discontent with BAFTA for omitting Perry from the tribute, with some calling it 'bad form' and questioning why the actor was not included. Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for BAFTA responded by assuring that Matthew Perry would be remembered at the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards. The academy also shared an online tribute to the actor for fans to pay their respects.
While some users acknowledged Perry's iconic role as Chandler Bing in Friends, others highlighted his contributions to the film industry and cited his performances in movies like The Whole Nine Yards. The controversy surrounding Perry's absence continued, with some expressing frustration over the perceived oversight during the awards ceremony.
Matthew Perry's passing in October 2023 was a tragic loss, with the cause of death later determined to be a result of the acute effects of ketamine, along with other contributing factors. His inclusion in the In Memoriam segment at the 2023 Emmy Awards was noted, where his image was featured as part of the tribute.
The 2024 BAFTA Awards took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London and were streamed on BritBox in the U.S. on a tape delay. Despite the online backlash, BAFTA's response indicated that Matthew Perry's legacy would be honored at the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards, offering a chance for fans to remember the beloved actor and his contributions to the world of entertainment.
