The recent 2024 BAFTA Film Awards stirred a wave of disappointment amongst fans and colleagues in the industry, when the late Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom ‘Friends’, was conspicuously omitted from the In Memoriam segment of the ceremony. The tribute, traditionally an emotional part of award shows, honours members of the film industry who have passed away since the last gathering. Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 last October, was absent from the montage which featured Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’, leaving many to question the oversight.
Soon after the broadcast, viewers and fans turned to social media to voice their grievances regarding the exclusion of Perry. The outcry was prominent on platforms such as Twitter, where his fans felt that an actor of his influence and popularity deserved recognition. The In Memoriam segment, accompanied by a poignant performance by Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham, felt incomplete to them, sparking discussions and debates across the internet.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), amid increasing online discussions, issued a response addressing the discontentment surrounding Perry’s absence. A spokesperson from BAFTA communicated to PEOPLE magazine, stating, “I can confirm Matthew Perry will be remembered in our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards.” This announcement came as a relief to many who felt that Perry’s contributions to television were undervalued.
Reassuring the public, BAFTA reiterated their statement, “Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year’s TV Awards ceremony.” Alongside this assurance, they also shared a link to a dedicated online tribute for the beloved actor, which can be found on BAFTA’s official site, allowing fans to reflect on his illustrious career and enduring legacy.
Matthew Perry’s untimely demise on October 28, 2023, shocked fans worldwide. The actor was discovered at his Los Angeles home, and the subsequent medical analysis revealed that the acute effects of ketamine, among other contributing factors, led to his death. Prior to this moment of recognition by BAFTA, Perry had been honoured during the 2023 Emmy Awards, where his memory was celebrated in their In Memoriam segment. The emotional tribute was enhanced by Charlie Puth’s performance of his 2015 hit ‘See You Again’, which transitioned into the Friends theme song ‘I’ll Be There for You’, striking a chord with audiences and fans who had adored Perry’s performances throughout the years.
Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing made him a household name and cemented his place as a television icon. His contributions to the medium extend beyond Friends, with performances in movies and an array of TV shows, where he displayed his immense talent and versatility. Therefore, his inclusion in the upcoming BAFTA Television Awards In Memoriam segment will not only serve as an appropriate remembrance of his extraordinary career but also as a cathartic moment for his admirers who were left disappointed by the initial oversight.
The BAFTA Television Awards will offer a platform to celebrate and reminisce on the works of Matthew Perry, addressing the initial omission and providing a space for public mourning and appreciation of a talent gone too soon. As fans await the ceremony, they take solace in the fact that Perry’s impact on the world of television will be acknowledged, paying proper homage to a performer who continues to bring laughter and joy to many, even after his passing.
