Morgan Freeman Honors “Dear Friend” Gene Hackman at Oscars’ In Memoriam: “Our Community Lost a Giant”

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At the 2025 Oscars, Morgan Freeman started the In Memoriam tribute by expressing heartfelt sentiments regarding his late co-star, Gene Hackman, who passed away just a week ago.

Freeman paid tribute to the Dolby Theatre audience in Hollywood, stating, “This past week, our community suffered a great loss – my friend, Gene Hackman, passed away.

Freeman went on to say, “I got to collaborate with Gene in making not one, but two movies – Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Like every actor who was fortunate enough to act alongside him, I discovered that he was a giving performer and a man whose talents made everyone’s work better. He earned two Oscars, but what truly mattered was the way he captured the affection of movie enthusiasts worldwide.”

Or in a more conversational tone:

Freeman added, “I had the chance to team up with Gene on Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Just like everyone else who worked with him, I realized that he was a selfless actor and a man whose abilities raised the quality of our work. He took home two Oscars, but what really made him special was his ability to win over film fans everywhere.

The actor from The Shawshank Redemption stated, “Gene often expressed, ‘I don’t ponder over legacy; I merely hope people recall me as someone who strived to do decent work.’ In this, we all concur: Gene, you will be remembered for this and so much more. Farewell, my friend.” Rest in peace.

2-time Academy Award winner Hackman was tragically discovered deceased at his residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, joined by his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and one of their pets. Numerous stars from Hollywood, including Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, Clint Eastwood, Antonio Banderas, Mel Brooks, and others, publicly expressed grief over the passing of the actor from The French Connection.

On the day before news of Hackman’s passing was made public, Michelle Trachtenberg, famously recognized for her television roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” was discovered deceased at age 39 in her New York City apartment. Yet, she did not receive a mention during the In Memoriam tribute.

The day before Hackman’s demise was announced, Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her TV roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” was found dead at 39 in her New York City apartment. However, she was not acknowledged during the In Memoriam segment.

Every year, the In Memoriam segment during the Oscars generates curiosity, suspense, surprise, and sometimes anger, as The Hollywood Reporter explained in a recent article. “Regardless of what occurs, there will be ten articles discussing who was overlooked posthumously, and nothing can change that,” said Michael Schulman, an expert on the Academy Awards and author of the 2023 book Oscar Wars.

Among the many gifted individuals we’ve sadly lost this year, I was privileged to see the tribute for David Lynch, Shelley Duvall, Maggie Smith, Gena Rowlands, and James Earl Jones – legends who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

At the 2025 Oscars, Conan O’Brien was the host; take a look at the complete roster of winners and enjoy the dazzling red carpet entrances of the stars.

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2025-03-03 07:55