Morgan Freeman Honors ‘Dear Friend’ Gene Hackman at Oscars 2025

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At the 2025 Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, Morgan Freeman paid homage to Gene Hackman. During his speech at the Dolby Theatre on March 2nd, Freeman reminisced about their time collaborating and commended Hackman’s influential role in cinema. Notable figures from Hollywood, such as Clint Eastwood and Francis Ford Coppola, also honored Hackman.

Here’s what we know about Freeman’s tribute and Hackman’s legacy.

Morgan Freeman remembers Gene Hackman at Oscars 2025

At the 2025 Oscars, Morgan Freeman began the In Memoriam tribute by honoring the late Gene Hackman, who sadly passed away on February 26th.

At the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Freeman shared that we had lost a significant figure – a dear friend of his named Gene Hackman. He honored Hackman’s impact on cinema by mentioning their collaborations in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Freeman praised Hackman as a selfless actor whose talents consistently made those around him shine brighter. Additionally, he recognized the two Academy Awards that Hackman had received during his career. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Freeman echoed Hackman’s sentiments when he stated, “‘Gene never contemplated legacy; all he hoped for was to be recognized as someone who strived to produce quality work.'” He added, “Rest assured, Gene, you will be remembered not only for this but for so much more. Farewell, my friend.” Notable figures from the Hollywood industry including Francis Ford Coppola, Clint Eastwood, Viola Davis, Mel Brooks, and Antonio Banderas publicly expressed their grief over Hackman’s demise.

Officials discovered both Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, along with one of their pets, deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence. Not long after it was confirmed that actress Michelle Trachtenberg had passed away at 39 in her New York City apartment, this news was shared. However, the report did not feature Trachtenberg herself. The selection process for the In Memoriam segment during the Oscars often triggers discussions about who is included and omitted.

The tribute paid homage to film industry personalities who passed away in the previous year, among whom were David Lynch, Shelley Duvall, Maggie Smith, Gena Rowlands, and James Earl Jones. Conan O’Brien was the host for the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, where a glamorous red carpet event took place and the year’s most outstanding cinematic accomplishments were celebrated.

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2025-03-03 12:13