Q: While watching the Academy Awards, I was disappointed that Andy Griffith was not mentioned during the “In Memoriam” part of the program. He was a TV star, but he made a number of movies, including two classics, “A Face in the Crowd” and “No Time For Sergeants.” I know he died last July. Can you confirm why he was left out, and if it was an oversight.
—David Moskowitz, Atlanta
A: Griffith was one of several actors and directors who were not included in this year's "In Memoriam," which is a video tribute to those who died in the past year. The New York Times reported last month that there are usually about 30-40 spots in the montage, which has been a part of the Academy Awards broadcast since 1994. A committee of members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is charged with deciding who is included, but the committee members' names are "discreetly concealed from other members and the public," to avoid lobbying efforts. "So for those friends who are on this list tonight, and many others who aren't, we thank you for the memories," Ben Affleck said when introducing the segment this year. Other missing actors/actresses this year included Phyllis Diller, Larry Hagman, along with two former Best Supporting Actress nominees, Joyce Redman and Susan Tyrrell, and Ann Rutherford, who played Scarlett O'Hara's sister Carreen in "Gone With the Wind." Missing directors included Michael Winner, Mel Stuart, Gore Vidal and David R. Ellis. A more comprehensive slide show is at oscar.go.com/photos/85th/show/in-memoriam-2012.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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