Bafta issues explanation after Matthew Perry left out of tributes as BBC viewers say 'big mistake'

Bafta has issued an explanation after viewers of tonight's awards show were left fuming at a 'big mistake' during the tributes section.

Film fans watching the ceremony on the BBC were quick to point out that the academy had failed to pay tribute to Friends star Matthew Perry during the in memoriam segment of the event, which saw those who had recently died remembered in a moving film.

Hannah Waddingham performed a pared down version of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time as the names and faces of some film industry greats appeared on the screen, including Jane Birkin, Sir Michael Gambon, Julian Sands, Tom Wilkinson and Tina Turner.

READ MORE: Bafta Film Awards 2024 - full list of winners including best film, leading actor and actress

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But despite appearing in a number of films during his acting career, Perry did not make it into the film. Perry, who played Chandler Bing in the hit US sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in his swimming pool on October 28 last year at the age of 54.

A post-mortem examination concluded Perry, who had struggled with addiction throughout his life, died from the “acute effects of ketamine” while contributing factors included “drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine”.

Fans were left heartbroken by his death and many were saddened to see that he did not get a mention at this year's Bafta film awards. Perry starred in 1997 rom com Fools Rush In and later 17 Again alongside Zac Efron.

"Catching up on the BAFTAs and where was Matthew Perry in the memoriam?!" one fan asked on X, formerly Twitter. "An incredible actor not only known for his iconic work on Friends but also films too, absolutely