LOS ANGELES – In a bold move to combat declining viewership and the general malaise of a four-hour awards show, producers for the upcoming Academy Awards have unveiled a groundbreaking new segment designed to captivate audiences: a live 'In Memoriam' guessing game. Viewers will be encouraged to tweet their predictions for who will appear in the tribute, with correct guesses entered into a drawing for a ceremonial golden popcorn bucket.

“We understand that the 'In Memoriam' segment can sometimes feel a bit… passive,” explained co-producer Katy Mullan, reportedly from beneath a pile of half-eaten catering. “This year, we’re turning it into an active, engaging experience. Think of it as a morbid bingo, but with more emotional weight and less chance of winning actual money.”

The segment, tentatively titled 'Who's Still Kicking?', aims to leverage social media engagement and the human fascination with mortality. Industry analysts suggest the move is a direct response to data indicating a significant spike in phone usage during the traditional tribute, primarily for fact-checking whether certain individuals were, in fact, still with us.

“It’s genius, really,” commented veteran Hollywood pundit, Dr. Evelyn Thorne. “It taps into the collective anxiety of aging while simultaneously providing a fleeting sense of accomplishment. Plus, it distracts from the fact that we only have two musical numbers this year because we blew the budget on a CGI-enhanced red carpet.”

Sources close to the production also hinted at a potential 'Fab Five' tribute where five living actors will be asked to confirm their current vital signs live on stage.