Yeah, there is just no good reason why the AMPAS decided to omit Farrah from its tribute to the celebrities who had died this year — and for that matter, Bea Arthur. ¬†CNN reports that¬†the Academy’s Bruce Davis, who was responsible for the “in memoriam” segment was quoted as saying: “There’s nothing you can say to people, particularly to family members, within a day or two of the show that helps at all. They tend to be surprised and hurt, and we understand that and we’re sorry for it.”
But CNN adds that Davis stands by the decision to leave her out. ¬†Basically they’re saying, she wasn’t good enough. ¬†Yeah, so the apology is really more of a “I’m sorry you’re feeling sad” type of apology, which isn’t really an apology at all.
Tatum O’Neil issued a statement that read:¬†¬†”On behalf of myself, my father Ryan O’Neal and my entire family, we are deeply saddened that a truly beautiful and talented actress Farrah Fawcett was not included in the memorial montage during the 82nd Academy Awards. We are bereft with this exclusion of such an international icon who inspired so many for so many reasons. Beautiful, talented Farrah will never be forgotten by her family and amazing fans.”
And of course, the icing on the cake was that “Davis defended the tribute’s inclusion of Michael Jackson, who was better known for his musical accomplishment than for his screen work, because the late pop star was the subject of a successful feature documentary last year.”
You know, sorry the AMPAS.  There is no excuse for including Michael Jackson but excluding Farrah.
MOREOVER – there was NO EXCUSE for the shameful treatment of Lauren Bacall and Roger Corman, who were forced to stand up like they were the father of the bride or something during a wedding toast. ¬†Let’s make a deal, AMPAS, when you can stop making “drop the soap” jokes you can act all high-falootin’ where Farrah is concerned. ¬†Deal?
Or to quote Michael Sheen playing Tony Blair, “won’t somebody save these people from themselves?”