Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry made several revelations in his book, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.' (Photo: Policy Exchange/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/))

The British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTAs) has come forward with a statement in response to growing criticism over the exclusion of the late Matthew Perry from its "In Memoriam" tribute during the recent film awards ceremony. The segment, which honored the memory of industry figures who passed away, notably missed Perry, leading to a wave of disappointment among fans and followers of the beloved actor.

Matthew Perry, who passed away last year at the age of 54, was widely celebrated for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom "Friends," alongside roles in films such as "The Whole Nine Yards" and "Fools Rush In." The omission of Perry from the "In Memoriam" segment, which featured tributes to talents like Michael Gambon, Jane Birkin, and Tina Turner, prompted a significant reaction from the public on social media platforms, particularly X, formerly known as Twitter.

Users expressed their dismay, with one noting, "Shame on you @BAFTA for not acknowledging @MatthewPerry #BAFTA2024," while others questioned the decision, highlighting Perry's impact on both television and film. The discourse extended to discussions about the criteria for inclusion in such tributes, with some users speculating that Perry's more prominent television career might be recognized at the upcoming TV BAFTAs instead.

 

In response to the backlash, BAFTA addressed the concerns on X, stating, "Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year's TV Awards ceremony." This clarification suggests that Perry's contributions to television will be specifically honored in the forthcoming ceremony dedicated to the small screen, potentially assuaging some of the initial disappointment voiced by fans.

The debate over Perry's omission underscores the challenges award ceremonies face in adequately honoring the breadth of contributions made by industry figures across diverse mediums. Perry's legacy, particularly as Chandler Bing, left an indelible mark on popular culture, making his absence from the film awards tribute a notable point of contention.

Perry's memory was previously honored at the 2023 Emmy Awards, where his image was featured during a musical tribute, further cementing his status as a cherished figure in the entertainment industry. The actor's untimely death, discovered in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, was a significant loss to fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the depth of his impact beyond the screen.

As BAFTA prepares for its TV Awards, the promise to recognize Perry's contributions offers an opportunity for the industry and its admirers to pay homage to an actor whose work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The dialogue surrounding his exclusion from the film awards "In Memoriam" segment reflects the ongoing conversation about how best to honor the memory of those who have shaped the entertainment landscape.