RE "It is a shame they did not mention Joan Rivers." from ScarlettScarpetta
I think Joan may have been given a miss because she was not a member of the academy. She had Broadway and TV credits so she was Screen Actors Guild and probably still ACTRA member, and a Writers Guild member. I don't know for sure, just speculation on my part. Elaine Stritch's IMBD doesn't list film credits, and I think she was primarily known for her work on Broadway. But she was an amazing performer.
On the other hand, Joan Rivers, IMO, made the Red Carpet interviews a must see and gave designers and actors a platform to reach an even wider audience. Her name was linked to the Oscar ceremonies in popular culture.
I loved that the graphic artists seemed to have been given a free hand with this year's Oscars. The portraits used for the In Memoriam segment were beautiful, and very up to date. Louis Jourdan was included and he only died a few days ago. Robin William's portrait was poignant. As well, I liked that applause was cut for the broadcast version of the Oscars.