Emmy Awards 2026 spark outrage after actor Nicholas Brendon is left out of In Memoriam segment
Emmy Awards viewers were left furious on Monday evening after spotting that one performer appeared to be left out of this year’s In Memoriam segment.
Each year, the ceremony pays tribute to those from the entertainment and television world who’ve died over the past 12 months, and the 2026 awards followed suit.
Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy opened this year’s portion of the show with a touching tribute to Catherine O’Hara, the actress who’d played the trio’s on-screen mother in Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek, respectively.
Mr Culkin kicked off the tribute by describing his Home Alone co-star as “encouraging,” “warm” and, of course, “funny”.
Emmy Awards 2026: Dolly Parton was one of the performers remembered in the In Memoriam
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He went on: “She wasn’t just a wife and mother to Bo and Matthew and Luke. She was my mom. She was our mama. And by extension, she’s all of our mama. By the way, call your mother tonight. Give it up for moms.
“But like a good mama, she always showed up when I asked her to. Because that was Catherine. That’s what she did. She showed up. And this is the best that we can do for her tonight.”
Following Ms Murphy’s and Mr Levy’s respective tributes, Noah Kahan performed a rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water as other figures from the television world were honoured.
Among them were Hayden Panettiere, Tim Curry, Sam Neill, and James Burrows. Jamie Lee Curtis took to the stage in the segment’s final moments with a special tribute to Rob Reiner.
Emmy Awards 2026: Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Daniel Levy
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However, it was the omission of actor Nicholas Brendon that had fans talking at home.
Mr Brendon was best known for taking on the series regular role of Xander Harris opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
His CV also boasted roles in Kitchen Confidential as pastry chef Seth Richman alongside Bradley Cooper and Jaime King, as well as parts in Criminal Minds, Private Practice, and Faking It.
Taking to X within moments of noticing Mr Brendon wasn’t included, one person fumed: “Why the f*** you didn’t include Nicholas Brendon during the In Memoriam, you a******s? #EMMYs.”
Nicholas Brendon died in March
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A second added: “They had the In Memoriam section and I know some will notice a few missing. We Buffy fans can think of one very quickly #Emmys.”
“They didn’t include Nicholas Brendon from Buffy in the In Memoriam #Emmys,” a third simply put, while a fourth seemed in disbelief: “They forgot Nicholas Brendon?? #emmys.”
Another referenced the fact that Ms Gellar and David Boreanaz had presented an award earlier in the evening. “Really weird that the Emmys invited Sarah and David to celebrate 30 years of Buffy and then not include Nicholas Brendon in the in memoriam #emmys,” they typed.
And a sixth hit out: “@Buffys I hope ya didn’t see the Zander snub at the #emmys. It was crushing. Waited and waited, but nuthin. #Emmys.” (sic)
Hayden Panettiere was also honoured during the Emmys
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“HOW do you not include Nicholas Brendon in the In Memoriam?! (Especially with his co-star in attendance?!) SHAME ON YOU. #Emmys #Buffy,” another raged.
Mr Brendon died on March 20 this year of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a May 5 report from the Putnam County Coroner’s office obtained by People.
The report also cited acute pneumonia and previous myocardial infarction as contributing factors.
His family announced his death with an emotional statement on Instagram. “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon,” it began.
.@TheEmmys HOW do you not include Nicholas Brendon in the In Memoriam?! (Especially with his co-star in attendance?!) SHAME ON YOU. #Emmys #Buffy pic.twitter.com/xjfsMZyiOw
— Lisa (@Ezriela) September 15, 2026
“He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor, and for the characters he brought to life over the years.
“In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans.
“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create.”
His family’s statement went on: “Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.
“While it’s no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis, and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing.
“Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart. Thank you to everyone who has shown love and support.”
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