Producers glaringly left off Joan Rivers during their nearly four minute tribute to the celebrities lost.
By NOA AMOUYALComedian Joan Rivers talks to reporters as she arrives for a gala honoring the late stand-up comedian George Carlin.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Despite its good intentions, the In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars usually becomes a morbid popularity contest where the deceased’s standing in Hollywood is judged by the applause generated from the audience. When a big time titan’s name is flashed upon the screen, usually for three to four seconds, the applause is deafening. But when a makeup artist or a sound technician dies? There are crickets.But what of the people omitted entirely?This year, producers glaringly left off Joan Rivers during their nearly four minute tribute to the celebrities lost.That omission is particularly glaring considering Joan Rivers Fashion Police program on E! practically invented the whole red carpet extravaganza that is now a standard backdrop to the ceremony.Considering Rivers always lamented her outsider status in an industry that ignored her, the Academy's decision only vindicates everything she thought about Hollywood elitism.Somewhere, Rivers is formulating some pretty harsh zingers for the Academy and would also want everyone to know that they look horrible.
