Oscars slammed over 'rushed' In Memoriam segment with 'upbeat' music and missing stars

The 2021 Oscars were panned for a 'disrespectful' In Memoriam section that passed through a high number lost stars and film contributes to an 'upbeat' tune on Sunday night.

Every year, the Oscars take a moment to reflect on the talent that has been lost in the past year.

Performers, directors, make-up artists, publicists, and other contributors to the world of film are spotlighted in the memorial section of the show.

With more than a year since the last Oscars, combined with the fact the Covid-19 pandemic has taken even more lives, the section had more names to pay tribute to than previous Oscars In Memoriam segments.

The Oscars' In Memoriam section was criticised for rushing through lost stars (ABC)

Former Oscar nominee Angela Bassett introduced the segment, saying: "As of April 25, 2021, there were recorded over 3 million souls lost around the world to COVID alone.

"Considering the enormity of our collective loss and the often incomprehensible times we're living through, we wish to also acknowledge those precious lives lost to the violence of inequality, injustice, hatred, racism, and poverty.

"To all of those who left our lives too soon, we cherish the moments that we had the honor of having with you."

While others took issue that some stars were missed completely (ABC)

A three minute tribute then featured photographs, names and job titles of those lost that were honoured by the Academy.

However, many took issue with the fact the segment was accompanied by a breezy rendition of Stevie Wonder's song Always – while the cards moved at such a rate that names couldn't even be read in time.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer commented: "This is the most upbeat In Memoriam I've ever seen wtf #Oscars."

Another commented: "No shade but the In Memoriam song choice is a little too peppy #Oscars."

Naya Rivera, who died in an accident last year, was omitted from the Oscars' tribute (Getty Images)

Noting the quick passing of the card, another wrote: "Thy sure are speeding through these names in Memoriam #Oscars."

And another writing: "This In Memoriam needs to slow down. #Oscars."

Adding to the backlash on Twitter, another viewer wrote: "In Memriam Oscar so poorly handled who pushed fast forward?"

While another wrote: "The way #Oscars did the In Memoriam segment was totally disrespectful for everyone included, SHAME ON THEM, not even seconds for some people, for me one of the worst Oscars ever."

There was further anger caused by the segment when some stars were not featured who had been lost in the past year.

Glee actress Naya Rivera tragically passed away last year aged 33 following an accident in a lake.

While she is best known for TV roles, the actress had featured in a number of films, but was not featured in the Oscars' televised In Memoriam.

Jessica Walter – who had a career spanning from 1963 to 2021 – passed away aged 80 last month, but was not included.

Jessica Walter, who began her career in the '60s, died last month (Getty Images)

And 1997 Oscar nominated songwriter Adam Schlesinger, who was nominated for Best Original Song with That Thing You Do! also failed to receive a mention.

“I know every year they miss some people in the In Memoriam, but not including Adam Schlesinger is a REALLY big miss. #Oscars," wrote one viewer on Twitter.

Another wrote: “The In Memorium section of the #Oscars is always rough, but how on earth did they not include Jessica Walter."

And another commented: "Once again, no love for Naya Rivera. #Oscars."