One of the most glaring omissions at this year’s Academy Awards’ “In Memoriam” segment was snubbing the legendary Paul Sorvino.
Sorvino appeared in a variety of film, TV, and theatrical productions for over 50 years, which made him one of the most respected actors of his time. He received critical praise for his role in the Broadway play “That Championship Season,” and played the role again in the 1981 film alongside Robert Mitchum and Martin Sheen. Other noteworthy performances during the ’80s and ’90s included a stressed-out police chief in “Cruising,” Mike Hammer’s cop buddy in “I, the Jury,” Lips Manlis in “Dick Tracy” with James Caan, and in a standout performance as mob patriarch Paul Cicero in the powerhouse Martin Scorsese film “Goodfellas.”
He performed in over 100 theatrical movies, and over 30 TV films. Sorvino played the role of Danny in the film “Papa” opposite Robert Scott Wilson (“Days of Our Lives”), which was written and directed by Dan Israely, who also served as an executive producr alongside his wife, Zahava Israely.
Sorvino died on July 25, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 83.
At the time of his death in 2022, there were three more films in which he appeared yet to be released, including “The Ride” in which he worked alongside his wife Dee Dee Sorvino.
His daughter, Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino reflected on this oversight via a post on social media. “Incredibly hurt and shocked that my father’s lifelong, irreplaceable, enormous contribution to the world of cinema was overlooked by whomever made that list. We his adoring family, and you, his adoring public, know just how unique and incredible he was. We hope @theacademy does something to put this right,” Mira Sorvino posted on Instagram.
His nephew, actor Bill Sorvino remarked, “The Academy omitted my uncle from the in memoriam last night at the #Oscars2023. Simply disgraceful. I’m sorry for my dear cousins Mira, Amanda and Michael. He had more talent in his little pinky than half that room combined and his legacy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my dear uncle.”
Fortunately, for all of us, Paul Sorvino fans in the world, his acting work will live on forever in cinema and in film, especially movies that will stand the test of time, and that is a huge consolation.
