Actor Awards 2026 Honors Late Stars in Emotional Tribute

James Van Der Beek, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara among those remembered during In Memoriam segment.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The 2026 Actor Awards ceremony featured a heartfelt 'In Memoriam' segment that celebrated the legacies of several beloved stars who had passed away, including James Van Der Beek, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and others. The tribute paid homage to the significant contributions these actors made to the entertainment industry over their distinguished careers.

Why it matters

The 'In Memoriam' segment is an annual tradition at the Actor Awards that allows the industry and fans to collectively honor and remember the actors who have left an indelible mark on the art form. Highlighting the lives and work of these late stars helps preserve their legacies and underscores the profound impact they had, both on screen and off.

The details

The 'In Memoriam' portion of the 2026 Actor Awards ceremony featured a montage of clips and photos celebrating the careers of the departed actors. Viewers were visibly moved as the segment paid tribute to the talent, versatility, and iconic roles of stars like James Van Der Beek, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and others who had passed away over the previous year.

  • The 2026 Actor Awards ceremony took place on March 2, 2026.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An American actor best known for his starring role in the 1990s teen drama 'Dawson's Creek'.

Diane Keaton

An acclaimed American actress, director, and producer who rose to fame in the 1970s for her roles in films like 'Annie Hall' and 'The Godfather'.

Catherine O'Hara

A Canadian actress and comedian renowned for her work on 'SCTV' and in films like 'Home Alone' and 'Schitt's Creek'.

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What they’re saying

“It was a beautiful and moving tribute to some of the greatest talents we've ever seen on screen. They will be deeply missed.”

— Reese Witherspoon, Actor (E! Online)

“Seeing those clips and remembering their incredible work was both heartbreaking and inspiring. They left an indelible mark on the industry.”

— Tom Hanks, Actor (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 'In Memoriam' segment of the Actor Awards serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact actors can have, even long after they are gone. By honoring the legacies of these late stars, the industry pays tribute to their artistry and celebrates the lasting impression they left on audiences worldwide.