Tony Todd’s Widow Angry At Oscars For Omitting Actor From In Memoriam

The Academy Awards is facing backlash from Tony Todd’s family and friends after the late Candyman star was noticeably absent from its In Memoriam tribute. The perceived snub has left his widow, Fatima Cortez-Todd, both furious and disappointed.

Speaking to TMZ, Fatima expressed she was “angry” over the omission and questioned the Academy’s decision-making process. She also pointed out that his extensive Hollywood career spans over 250 film and TV credits—a resume that surely warranted his inclusion.

“[She] feels like people of color and women are often ignored as much as possible when it comes time for the Academy to honor the dead,” the outlet reported. Given that Tony was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 30 years, she says his absence from the tribute simply “wasn’t adding up.”

While the Oscars are no stranger to In Memoriam snubs, Fatima insisted that Todd wasn’t the only deserving artist left out this year. She argued that the Academy should prioritize honoring industry legends over certain broadcast segments that could be cut to make room for more tributes. In contrast, Fatima recalled the SAG Awards giving him a fitting tribute that used one of his best photos.

Todd’s longtime rep, Jeffrey Goldberg, also weighed, in revealing he’s been flooded with calls and emails from friends and colleagues outraged by the omission.

“I’ll just say that I’m disappointed that Tony was forgotten,” he said. “The Academy might want to reconsider the way they do this section of the broadcast because although it is great that they remember some of those we’ve lost in the past year, they often forget others that should be honored. Tony was my friend and client for over 30 years, and I’m just sad that he wasn’t given the honor that he deserved.”