Oscars 2013: Marvin Hamlisch, Nora Ephron among those 'In Memoriam'

Oscars 2013: Marvin Hamlisch, Nora Ephron among those ‘In Memoriam’

By Mark Olsen

Feb. 25, 2013 12 AM PT

Among the year-in, year-out Oscar certainties is that the “In Memoriam” tribute segment for those who have passed away in the previous year will spark conversation both about those who are included — as well as those who are left out.

George Clooney concluded his introduction of the montage by saying, “So for those friends who are on this list tonight, and many others who aren’t, we thank you for the memories.”

Perhaps the biggest names among the more than 40 included in the segment were actors Ernest Borgnine, Jack Klugman and Charles Durning, writer-director Nora Ephron, director Tony Scott, producer Richard Zanuck and writer-director and former academy president Frank Pierson.

Oscars 2013: Backstage | Quotes | Best & Worst moments

Other notable names were a diverse group from all phases of the filmmaking process, including Oscar-winning actress Celeste Holm, actor Michael Clark Duncan and costume designer Eiko Ishioka, who was nominated this year for her work on “Mirror Mirror.”

Adam Yauch, better known to many as a member of the musical group Beastie Boys, was recognized for his work as a film distributor, having put out films such as the Oscar-nominated “The Messenger.” Director Ulu Grosbard was included, as was actor Herbert Lom, best known as the nemesis to Peter Sellers in the “Pink Panther” pictures.

Influential film critic Andrew Sarris was also in the segment, as was filmmaker Chris Marker, best known for his experimental work “La Jetee.” Italian Screenwriter Tonio Guerra, who worked with directors Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni was also remembered.

Cinematographer Harris Savides was included, as well as composer Robert B. Sherman, an Oscar winner for his work on “Mary Poppins.”

Production designer J. Michael Riva, who worked on “Django Unchained,” which won two Oscars on Sunday night, was also included in the tribute. Songwriter Hal David, known for his collaborations with Burt Bacharach, was recognized, as was publicist Lois Smith. Writer Ray Bradbury was also included.

The most notable exclusion from the broadcast seemed to be actor Andy Griffith, who though largely known as a TV actor, gave a powerful performance in the film “A Face in the Crowd.” Among others not included were footbal player turned actor Alex Karras, actress Lupe Ontiveros, author and director Gore Vidal and “Emmannuelle” actress Sylvia Kristel. Even with a supplemental photo gallery online of more than 100 names, some still fell through the cracks.

The montage concluded with composer Marvin Hamlisch, a three-time Oscar winner, and the entrance of Barbra Streisand to sing his composition and one of her signature songs, “The Way We Were.”

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Follow Mark Olsen on Twitter: @IndieFocus