Late Singer's Family Angry At Oscars
Lee Not Included In Oscar Tribute
POSTED: 1:46 p.m. EDT April 8, 2002
An omission from the Academy Award show's memorial tribute has angered the family of the late singer-actress Peggy Lee.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the family of Peggy Lee has demanded an explanation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as to why she was not included in the tribute.
In the letter to academy director Bruce Davis, Nicki Lee Foster demanded that her mother be included in next year's tribute. Davis insisted that that won't happen, reported IMDB.
Lee, 81, died in January of a heart attack.
"The In Memoriam segment generates more response than anything else we do and it's all negative," said Davis, who added that the academy does not have the time to remember the 100-plus academy members who die each year.
"It is a very cruel couple of weeks toward the end as selections are made," said Davis.
Lee, who was known more for her singing talents than acting, appeared in such films as 1952's "The Jazz Singer" and provided the voices of Darling, Si, Am and Peg in the 1955 Disney animated classic "Lady and the Tramp."
Lee was also nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar in 1955 for "Pete Kelly's Blues."
Foster said she will continue her fight to get her mother recognition at the Oscars. In particular, they are upset that singer-turned actress Aaliyah was recognized at the Oscars, despite only two film appearances, reported IMDB.
"Aaliyah didn't have a distinguished film career and yet they eliminated a 20th century icon," family spokeswoman Holly Azzari added.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the family of Peggy Lee has demanded an explanation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as to why she was not included in the tribute.
In the letter to academy director Bruce Davis, Nicki Lee Foster demanded that her mother be included in next year's tribute. Davis insisted that that won't happen, reported IMDB.
Lee, 81, died in January of a heart attack.
"The In Memoriam segment generates more response than anything else we do and it's all negative," said Davis, who added that the academy does not have the time to remember the 100-plus academy members who die each year.
"It is a very cruel couple of weeks toward the end as selections are made," said Davis.
Lee, who was known more for her singing talents than acting, appeared in such films as 1952's "The Jazz Singer" and provided the voices of Darling, Si, Am and Peg in the 1955 Disney animated classic "Lady and the Tramp."
Lee was also nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar in 1955 for "Pete Kelly's Blues."
Foster said she will continue her fight to get her mother recognition at the Oscars. In particular, they are upset that singer-turned actress Aaliyah was recognized at the Oscars, despite only two film appearances, reported IMDB.
"Aaliyah didn't have a distinguished film career and yet they eliminated a 20th century icon," family spokeswoman Holly Azzari added.
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