Oscars 2026 tribute honours Giorgio Armani, but fans ask: How about Valentino?

The In Memoriam segment is always the emotional heartbeat of the Oscars - the moment when the glamour of the night pauses to say a quiet "thank you" to the icons who shaped our love for the movies.At the 98th Academy Awards, the tribute felt particularly heavy. We said goodbye to legendary actors like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Val Kilmer, whose faces have defined the silver screen for generations. But as the montage played, it became clear that the Academy wanted to honor more than just the people in front of the camera - they took a moment to celebrate the man who dressed the dreams themselves: Giorgio Armani.

The Man Who Dressed Hollywood

Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September 2025 at age 91, wasn't just a "fashion designer" - he was one of Hollywood’s greatest storytellers. While some designers just send dresses to the red carpet, Armani lived in the world of cinema, with costume credits in over 200 films.Think about the movies that defined "cool":American Gigolo (1980): He practically invented the modern man by putting Richard Gere in those soft-shouldered, muted suits.

The Dark Knight: He was the architect of Bruce Wayne’s civilian wardrobe, giving Christian Bale that "billionaire with a secret" polish.Goodfellas & The Untouchables: Whether it was the sharp textures of a mobster or the minimalist 1930s suits for Kevin Costner, Armani knew that a character’s power often started with their lapels.As his team put it after his passing, he was a "tireless engine" who worked until his very last days.

Seeing his face on that screen was a reminder that the clothes we see in movies aren't just fabric - they are armor, identity, and history.

A Heartbreaking Omission: Where was Valentino?

While the tribute to Armani was beautiful, it didn’t take long for viewers to notice a massive void. Valentino Garavani, the man behind "Valentino Red" and a staple of Hollywood high fashion for decades, was missing from the segment.

Valentino passed away at 93 in his Rome residence this past January.

Given his deep ties to the Academy - having dressed everyone from Julia Roberts to Anne Hathaway for their biggest career moments - his absence felt like a glaring oversight. It’s a tough reminder that even on Hollywood’s biggest night, some of its most vibrant legends can somehow slip through the cracks of the final edit.

The Class of 2026

Beyond the fashion world, the segment honored a staggering amount of talent:Catherine O’Hara and Diane Keaton, two women who taught us everything about comedic timing and grace.Robert Redford, the ultimate Sundance kid, whose legacy as an actor and filmmaker changed the industry forever.Rob Reiner and Val Kilmer, icons who gave us some of the most quotable moments in film history.At its core, the 2026 tribute was a reminder that while the stars may fade, the characters they created and the style they brought to life are essentially immortal.