Oscar producers aren't autocrats. The show -- the presenters, the Memoriams, entertainment, etc. -- are determined by many people. The Academy board of directors, lobbyists, pressure from top agents and managers, the network executives airing the show, even advertisers have some say.
Packer likely had a say, but not the sole -- or even most important -- say in who was included in the Memoriam.
Found out last night on a local TV station (I live in FL) that the entire Oscar production show crew was an all Black one led by Will Packer who is from St. Petersburg, FL.
St. Petersburg held a special Oscar watching party to celebrate their hometown guy made good, and Will Parker’s historic all Black crew producing last night’s Oscar show.