Academy acknowledges Joan Rivers’ absence

Fans on social media complained about Rivers’ absence from the tribute.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement on Monday acknowledging the complaints that Joan Rivers was not featured in the ‘In Memoriam’ tribute during Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony.

“Joan Rivers is among the many worthy artists and filmmakers we were unfortunately unable to feature in the In Memoriam segment of this year’s Oscar show. She is, however, included in our In Memoriam gallery on Oscar.com,” the statement said.

Fans on social media complained about Rivers’ absence from the tribute. Elaine Stritch was also a notable omission from the entertainment world, though her career was built on stage, not on screen.

Rivers was also not well-known for her film work, though she made a regular sideline out of her snarky critiques of red-carpet fashion.

Elizabeth Much, a spokeswoman for Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, said she would have no comment.