perhaps because he passed away in 2008 and they were only covering 2007? hmm...

As much as it sucks, I'm fairly sure that they only cover people who've been nominated, and Brad hadn't been.

Sucks how he got chewed-up and spit-out by "the machine" maybe it would have been better had they not "discovered" him and left him his innocence all those years ago.

F'ked up situation.

you said it yourself "list of Hollywood professionals who died last year"

That turd died this year.

/pffft

Funny... somehow the Academy managed to include Heath Ledger and yet he passed away a week AFTER Brad did. The last year/this year argument is a moot point.

I don't have any particular attachment to Brad Renfro, but it seems like an INCREDIBLY RUDE oversight, just on general principles, that he wasn't included.

Yeah, I take back my previous comment. After doing some reading on the subject, they are just big jerks.

It's not 2007 only but those who had died in teh period of Feb 2007 to Feb 2008. I guess Brad wasn't important enough. But yes, I think it's only about the nominees or winners that died.

Not to be "over the top Trekkie" on this, but they did the same thing with DeForest "Dr. 'Bones' McCoy" Kelley in 1999. Paramount screwed up and would have nominated him if THAT'S what it took. Plus, he had 20-year movie career BEFORE TV Trek, mostly as a bad guy in Westerns. But a more beloved figure to millions worldwide you'll never see. James "Scotty" Doohan died and they slipped him in the next year after forgetting him in teh real year. Sheesh.

I love Brad Renfro. This obvious snub was extremely distasteful. I'm glad The Oscar ratings keep plummeting. The academy is comprised of disrespectful snobs.

Rest in peace, Brad. Many people have and will enjoy your wonderful body of work!