So, Michael Jackson made it to the montage on Sunday's Oscars, but Farrah Fawcett didn't. That makes sense - according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis.

Breakingnews.ie reports: "Davis said the academy committee debated about including Fawcett and Gene Barry, a longtime TV actor who died in December at age 90, in the memorial segment but ultimately omitted both. Mr Davis and his colleagues thought that while the two actors appeared in movies, they were better known for their 'remarkable television work' and would be more appropriately honoured by the television academy at the Emmy Awards. The group 'was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we’d get the most comments on,' he said. He acknowledged that he 'did get one letter about Miss Fawcett'."

The letter he so casually made reference to was from her family, saying they were "deeply saddened” and “bereft with this exclusion of such an international icon who inspired so many for so many reasons”.

Davis continued with excusefest by pointing out the "unusual number of extremely distinguished screenwriters” that died during the year, who all needed a mention. He also said: "In every category, you’re going to miss some wonderful people."

Of the inclusion of Michael Jackson in the montage, he "explained that Jackson had appeared in a popular theatrical film recently." He also pointed out that they would've been lynched by Jackson's friends on the webbernet ("Think of all the blogging we would have gotten if we had left him out!")

In closing, Davis had this to offer: "There's nothing you can say to people, particularly to family members, within a day or two of the show that helps at all. They tend to be surprised and hurt, and we understand that and we're sorry for it."

So just add another 5 seconds onto the death parade and flash up two extra photos! Jayzis, that would've been more appreciated than Dr. Doogie Howser MD's inexplicable song and dance routine that opened the ceremony. Even he exclaimed "I know, what am I doing here!"

Fawcett's death was already hijacked by Michael Jackson (they both depart the planet on June 25th last year), and to justify his presence by saying he "appeared in a popular theatrical film recently" is taking the piss. His home videos were commandeered, pillaged and thrown up on screen to make a fast buck.

When Brad Renfro was excluded from the 2008 memorial, Oscar spokesperson Leslie Unger said: "Our goal is to honor individuals who worked in the many professions and trades of the motion picture industry, not just actors... We can't include everybody."

A great comfort to those left behind.