James Van Der Beek, a Hollywood actor known for his roles in Dawson's Creek and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, died at the age of 48 from stage 3 colorectal cancer on Feb. 11. Despite not being mentioned during the Oscars broadcast, he was included in the Academy's longer In Memoriam 2026 tribute posted online. His wife, Kimberly, announced his death on March 8. During the In Rememiam segment, late director Rob Reiner received a special tribute and actors who worked alongside him on films such as When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me and The Princess Bride were also present.