James Ransone's Widow Condemns Double Snub in Emmys and Oscars In Memoriam Tributes

Key points

• James Ransone was excluded from the 2026 Emmy Awards In Memoriam broadcast, following his omission from the March 2026 Oscars In Memoriam.
• Widow Jamie McPhee posted on Instagram, stating she was 'incredibly disappointed' and that the snub was 'simply not right.'
• The Television Academy stated that time limitations prevented the inclusion of all deceased figures in the broadcast segment, noting Ransone is listed in their online In Memoriam database.
• Ransone died by suicide in December 2025 at age 46; he is survived by McPhee and their two children, Jack and Violet.
• Other notable omissions from the Emmy segment included Chuck Norris, Nicholas Brendon, Patrick Muldoon, and Daveigh Chase.
• Director Scott Derrickson previously criticized the Oscars for ignoring Ransone, describing him as a 'complex, funny, and talented' friend.

Background

This incident follows earlier coverage of the 2026 Emmys In Memoriam segment, which omitted several high-profile figures including Robert Redford and Nicholas Brendon. Previous reports noted that while the broadcast tribute was limited, the Television Academy maintains a more extensive online database. The omission of Chuck Norris was also highlighted in earlier coverage, with co-star Judson Mills calling it a 'terrible mistake.'

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Page Six both report that Jamie McPhee expressed disappointment via Instagram, emphasizing that Ransone was a 'great actor' and 'incredibly gifted.' Page Six notes that fans noticed other omissions, including Robert Redford, while Variety highlights that the Television Academy acknowledged the limit on names in the broadcast version. Us Weekly focuses on the emotional impact on McPhee, referencing her earlier posts about her son's birthday and the family's grief. All sources agree that Ransone's exclusion was a significant oversight, but Variety and Page Six provide more detail on the Academy's justification regarding time constraints, whereas Us Weekly centers the narrative on the widow's public response.

Why it matters

The exclusion of James Ransone from major awards tributes highlights the ongoing debate over the curation and inclusivity of In Memoriam segments in high-profile ceremonies. It underscores the tension between broadcast time constraints and the desire to honor all significant industry figures, particularly those with notable careers in both film and television. The public backlash from family members and colleagues indicates a growing expectation for greater transparency and inclusivity in these tributes.

What to watch

The Television Academy may face continued scrutiny regarding its In Memoriam curation process. There may be calls for more comprehensive online tributes or adjustments to broadcast segments to include more names. The family of James Ransone may continue to advocate for greater recognition of his work and legacy in future ceremonies.