Morgan Freeman’s Heartfelt Oscars Tribute to Gene Hackman Leaves Everyone in Tears

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On Sunday evening during the Oscars ceremony, one esteemed figure of cinema honored another – none other than Morgan Freeman took the stage to pay tribute to Gene Hackman. Having shared the screen in Clint Eastwood’s film “Unforgiven,” there was no one more fitting to deliver a fitting tribute for Hackman. The speech preceded the Academy’s In Memoriam segment, where tributes were also given for James Earl Jones, Maggie Smith, David Lynch, and other stars who passed away in the previous year. Freeman expressed his sentiments by saying:

This week, our community bids farewell to a colossal figure, Gene Hackman. Personally, I mourn the loss of a treasured friend. I was fortunate enough to collaborate with Gene on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Just like everyone who worked with him, I witnessed firsthand that he was a selfless actor and a man whose talent made every performance better. Gene always emphasized, “I don’t focus on legacy; I just want people to recall me as someone who strived to create good work.” In expressing the sentiments of many, I say, “Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.” Farewell, my friend. May you rest in peace.

Morgan Freeman Joined Fellow ‘Unforgiven’ Stars in Previously Paying Tribute to Gene Hackman

Last week, Freeman contributed his first comments to the flood of posts about Hackman circulating online, written by both peers and admirers. Besides their collaboration in the movie “Unforgiven”, Freeman and Hackman also appeared together eight years later in the suspenseful film “Under Suspicion”. In his tribute through X, Freeman described working with Hackman as one of the most memorable experiences of his career. He stated:

“Working alongside Hackman was truly one of the highlights of my professional journey.

A memorable moment in my professional journey was collaborating with the exceptionally talented Gene Hackman on the film ‘Gardé a Vue’ (Under Suspicion), and naturally, ‘Unforgiven.’ Farewell, dear friend.

Back in 1992, I shared the screen with the remarkable Hackman in the gripping Western movie “Unforgiven.” Our collaboration didn’t end there; we worked together again in the thrilling “Absolute Power” in 1997. It’s no secret that Hackman won an Oscar for his unparalleled performance as Little Bill Daggett in my film, a recognition well-deserved. Following his passing, it’s not surprising to hear the director’s heartfelt praise for Hackman. In a touching tribute to Variety, I myself shared my admiration, acknowledging that he was truly one of the greats.

Gene stood unparalleled as an actor, both deeply intuitive and intensely skilled, never missing a beat. Beyond his talents on stage, he was a cherished friend whose absence I’ll feel deeply.

As a devoted fan, I was taken aback by the news of Gene Hackman’s passing, a surprise even though he was an elder statesman and led a tranquil life beyond the limelight of Hollywood’s glamour. The ongoing investigation into his and his wife’s demise doesn’t change one indisputable fact: Hackman’s work left an indelible impact on everyone fortunate enough to have worked with him, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes like Morgan Freeman’s speech at tonight’s Oscars.

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2025-03-03 06:33