This year’s Academy Awards, which took place on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, featured the customary “In Memoriam” segment that pays tribute to those from the film industry who passed away in the prior year. Nevertheless, the omission of David Keighley, a prominent figure in IMAX film, incited controversy and disappointment from his son, Geoff Keighley, the creator and host of The Game Awards.
David Keighley, who passed away in September 2025, made a significant mark on cinema, notably as IMAX’s inaugural Chief Quality Officer for a span of 15 years. His influence on IMAX and film quality was acknowledged by numerous esteemed directors, including James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, and Ryan Coogler. Coogler notably remarked, “Anyone who’s ever had their mind blown by the images in an IMAX theatrical presentation has David to thank for it.” This broad recognition of his contributions underscored the importance of his absence in the Oscars’ tribute.
Geoff Keighley took to social media to convey his discontent with the Academy’s choice to exclude his father from the segment. He posted, “So incredibly disappointed and heartbroken that the #Oscars and AMPAS chose not to include my father, David Keighley, and his immeasurable contributions to IMAX and cinema in the In Memoriam segment in the broadcast.” His heartfelt message resonated with many, sparking a dialogue about the acknowledgment afforded to influential individuals in the film industry.
Following the initial backlash, Geoff shared another update revealing that AMPAS/Oscar CEO Bill Kramer had blocked him on social media after he expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the omission. He mentioned, “You truly can’t make this stuff up,” highlighting the friction surrounding the matter.
Geoff’s connection to the Oscars and the film industry is rooted in his upbringing, as he grew up immersed in cinema and award shows, heavily influenced by his father’s enthusiasm for the Oscars. In a 2022 interview, he reflected on the motivation behind The Game Awards, stressing a desire to establish a prestigious recognition platform for video games akin to that of the Oscars for film.
The exclusion of David Keighley from the “In Memoriam” segment has rekindled discussions about how contributions to the film industry are honored and acknowledged, prompting calls for greater inclusivity in tributes that celebrate the variety of talent and impact within cinema.
