The organisers of the BAFTAs have defended the decision to omit Friends actor Matthew Perry from this year’s ‘in memoriam’ section and said he will be honoured at their TV awards instead.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ annual film awards took place in London on Sunday evening.
Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham performed a pared-back version of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time as tributes to stars who have died in the past 12 months appeared on screen.
The segment featured the likes of Mary Poppins star Glynis Johns, actress Jane Birkin, music legend Tina Turner and Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon.
However, Friends star Perry – who died aged 54 last October – was not mentioned.
As it happened: The biggest night in British film
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BAFTAs 2024 highlights
Fans shared their disappointment on X, and BAFTA has now issued a statement on the matter.
In reply to a social media user questioning the actor’s absence, the BAFTA account said: “Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year’s TV Awards ceremony.”
It also shared a link to a tribute page dedicated to Perry on the organisation’s website.
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Hannah Waddingham performed during the ‘in memoriam’ section. Pic: AP
The TV BAFTAs, which take place in May, will also honour TV director Roy Battersby after his famous stepdaughter Kate Beckinsale urged him to be included.
Sunday’s BAFTAs saw Oppenheimer dominate the winners’ list, taking home seven awards.
Its accolades included the biggest prize of the night – best film – while Cillian Murphy, who played the lead role of J Robert Oppenheimer, and Christopher Nolan, won best actor and best director respectively.
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Robert Downey Jr’s winner’s speech
Robert Downey Jr, who won best supporting actor for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, paid tribute to Nolan and delivered a whistle-stop tour of his career in 30 seconds during his speech.
The ceremony was hosted by Doctor Who and Good Omens actor David Tennant and saw Sophie Ellis-Bextor deliver a performance of her 2001 hit Murder On The Dancefloor, which is back in the charts thanks to an infamous Saltburn scene.
