Why Matthew Perry Was Not Included In BAFTA’s In Memoriam

BAFTA recently clarified the absence of late Friends actor Matthew Perry from their in-memoriam segment during the show.

Perry, who passed away at 54 last October, was discovered unresponsive in his Los Angeles home’s hot tub. The actor’s cause of death was determined to be the acute effects of ketamine, with additional factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.

During the recent BAFTA event on February 18, viewers expressed disappointment over Perry’s exclusion while actress Hannah Waddingham performed ‘Time After Time’. The segment showcased images and clips of industry figures who had passed away since the previous year’s ceremony.

Known primarily for his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, Perry also appeared in television shows like The West Wing, Ally McBeal, and Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip. Despite his significant TV presence, BAFTA explained Perry’s omission, stating that he would be honored in their upcoming television awards in May and the in-memoriam section on their website.

The decision follows the cancellation of a larger tribute to Perry, which was initially planned for the 2024 Emmys and was set to feature the cast of Friends.

Additionally, at the BAFTAs, Michael J Fox’s surprise appearance moved viewers as he presented the Best Film award to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The film earned six awards, including Best Director and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. Nolan used his acceptance speech to highlight those advocating for nuclear disarmament.

Samantha Morton received the BAFTA Fellowship Award, while the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award went to June Givanni, a film curator known for her support of African cinema.