Oh man. There’s always a part of the Oscars that comes ready to rip your heart out. It’s the In Memoriam bit, where the Academy pays tribute to the stars and Hollywood legends who died the past year.
And 2016, as we all know, had some real punches to the gut. Gene Wilder, Anton Yelchin, John Hurt, and then the double whammy of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds to finish off a truly terrible year.
Jennifer Aniston, who introduced the segment, also paid a teary tribute to Bill Paxton, who died yesterday age 61 following complications from surgery.
“Tonight as we celebrate together, we also take a moment to mourn the many legends who left us this past year,” she said. “Whether they were a musical Prince leading the revolution on a concert stage, or a movie princess leading the rebellion in a galaxy far, far away; a force of nature in front of the camera, or a force driving it, each and every one was a cherished member of our Hollywood family, as was beloved actor and friend who left us just yesterday, Bill Paxton. All were loved, and all will be missed.”
Sarah Bareilles sung a beautiful rendition of Judy Collins‘ ‘Both Side Now‘ to accompany; give this a watch and try not to cry.
Jennifer Aniston pays tribute to Bill Paxton ahead of the #Oscars In Memoriam tribute. pic.twitter.com/43UwXc6IZO
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 27, 2017
Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher close the In Memoriam tribute at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/vVDpageplg
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 27, 2017
BRB, sobbing.
Photo: The Hollywood Reporter / Twitter.
