BAFTA Responds to Ommission of Matthew Perry in Film Awards 'In Memoriam', Ensures Tribute in TV Ceremony

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) has come forward with a clarification following the backlash over the omission of the late actor Matthew Perry from the 'In Memoriam' segment during the recent film awards ceremony. Hosted in London by David Tennant, the awards presented a poignant homage to luminaries of the film industry who passed away in the last year. Hannah Waddingham of 'Ted Lasso' fame lent her voice to the tribute, performing a heartfelt rendition of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time'.

Prominent figures such as Jane Birkin, Carl Weathers, Tina Turner, and Sir Michael Gambon were included in the segment. However, 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, who died at 54 in October, was notably absent. This led to confusion and disappointment among fans and colleagues in the industry, prompting a response from the BAFTA organizers.

In a statement addressing the issue, BAFTA officials explained that Matthew Perry would be posthumously honored at the upcoming British Academy Television Awards scheduled for May. The organization also plans to include a tribute to Perry in the 'in memoriam' section on the BAFTA website, thereby acknowledging his contributions to both television and film.

Matthew Perry, widely celebrated for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on 'Friends', had a successful movie career including roles in 'Fools Rush In', 'The Whole Nine Yards', and '17 Again'. His absence from the film awards' tribute was felt as an oversight given his notable contributions to the entertainment industry.

In a related issue, actress Kate Beckinsale publicly voiced her discontent with BAFTA's initial decision to exclude her stepfather, director Roy Battersby, from the television awards' 'In Memoriam' segment. Battersby, who passed away in January, has a significant television legacy, having directed popular shows like 'A Touch Of Frost', 'Inspector Morse', and 'Cracker'. After hearing from Beckinsale and considering her stepfather's BAFTA-lauded career, including an award for outstanding contribution to television in 1996, BAFTA has confirmed that Battersby will be honored at the TV awards ceremony.

The controversial correspondence between Beckinsale and BAFTA shed light on the process behind the 'In Memoriam' selections, revealing that a committee reviews the potential names for inclusion. Beckinsale's emotional response on Instagram highlighted the sensitive nature of such tributes and the personal impact of these decisions.

BAFTA's follow-up statement highlights a commitment to recognizing the achievements of industry members while also navigating the complexities of memorial tributes. With the promise to honor Matthew Perry and Roy Battersby at the Television Awards, BAFTA seeks to rectify the oversight and pay proper respects to their legacies.