The 2020 Oscars Pay Tribute to the Beloved Stars We Lost — See the Emotional In Memoriam

The 2020 Oscars paid tribute to all the stars we lost with their annual In Memoriam on Sunday, February 9. The 92nd Academy Awards couldn’t let the show come to an end before honoring true Hollywood legends like Diahann Carroll, Doris Day and — of course — Kirk Douglas.

Grammy darling Billie Eilish took to the stage to perform a slow and sad version of “Yesterday” by The Beatles as black-and-white photos of the dearly departed flashed behind her. As she sang, images of Rip Torn and Peter Fonda, among others, appeared on the screen, with Kirk at the end.

According to Variety, the tribute was completed and was days away from air when news broke that iconic actor Kirk passed away at age of 103 on February 5. The Spartacus legend’s son Michael Douglas announced his father’s heartbreaking death in a candid post on Instagram.

Following the news of Kirk’s passing, the outlet reported the Oscars made last-minute edits to the tribute so he could be included in its list of the departed. While Kirk’s addition to the In Memoriam is unsurprising, fans couldn’t be happier considering the organization has failed to include major artists and performers in the past.

Just last year at the 2019 Oscars, the Academy was criticized for ignoring actresses Sondra Locke and Carol Channing as well as “Singin’ in the Rain” director Stanley Donen.

There’s no doubt Kirk’s inclusion in the heartbreaking tribute is well deserved, considering his long list of achievements include starring roles in Paths of Glory, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and much more. After being nominated for an Oscar in 1949’s Champion, 1952’s Bad and the Beautiful and 1956’s Lust for Life, Kirk finally took home an honorary Academy Award in 1996.

At the time Michael, 75, revealed his legendary father had sadly died, the Fatal Attraction actor praised the late star for that man he will be remembered as.

“Kirk’s life was well lived, and he leaves a legacy in film that will endure for generations to come, and a history as a renowned philanthropist who worked to aid the public and bring peace to the planet,” Michael emotionally wrote. “Let me end with the words I told him on his last birthday and which will always remain true. Dad — I love you so much.”

These Hollywood stars will never be forgotten!