As every year, the Academy Awards includes a section dedicated to honoring industry greats who passed on in the previous year. This year, the In Memoriam video included Mikis Theodorakis.
Michail “Mikis” Theodorakis, who died aged 96 on September 2nd last year, was one of Greece’s most highly renowned composers and troubadours. Over his career, he composed more than a thousand works, and became famous internationally partly for movie scores in the 60s and 70s such as those for Zorba the Greek, Z, and Serpico. The theme for Zorba the Greek, in particular, has lived on to become something of a trademark of Greek music. Also known as “sirtaki dance,” it’s still played at Greek weddings and other Greek-themed evenings around the world.
OSCARS IN MEMORIAM: Among those honored were Betty White and Michael K. Williams.#Oscarshttps://t.co/iWjXefhHyc pic.twitter.com/AulFa97rGl
— ABC News (@ABC) March 28, 2022
During the screening of the video, many artists entered the stage, dedicating songs or a few words about the beloved actors, producers and other artists who are no longer with us. First out was Tyler Perry, who spoke touchingly about Sidney Pontier. “He was the first, and for far too long, the only Black man to win an Oscar for best actor. When he stood on that stage, he did more than shatter a barrier. He stood there for all that came before him, and sparked the dreams of all who followed. […] I would not be here today without Sidney. All of us are so blessed and honored to have been inspired by him. To you, sir, with all of our love.”
Bill Murray followed on stage, sharing words in memory of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, and Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to Betty White, and her over 70-year-long career. She passed away on December 31, only weeks before her 100th birthday. Among the others honored were American actress born to Greek parents Olympia Dukakis.
