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The 97th Academy Awards ceremony took on a somber tone when Morgan Freeman stepped onto the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Just four days after the shocking death of Gene Hackman, Freeman delivered a moving tribute to his longtime friend and former costar.
"Well, this week, our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman," said Freeman, 87, as he addressed the audience ahead of the ceremony's In Memoriam segment. The emotional moment captivated viewers worldwide as the industry mourned one of its most respected figures.
Freeman and Hackman shared a meaningful professional relationship, having collaborated on two significant films: Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven" and Stephen Hopkins' "Under Suspicion." Their first collaboration proved particularly fruitful, as "Unforgiven" earned Hackman his second Oscar in 1993 for Best Supporting Actor.
"I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films," Freeman continued, "and like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone's work. He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world."
During his tribute, Freeman shared Hackman's humble perspective on his own legacy: "Gene always said, 'I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.'" This quote highlighted Hackman's unpretentious approach to his craft despite his legendary status.
The tribute gained additional poignancy considering Freeman's personal connection to Hackman. After learning of Hackman's death, Freeman had posted on social media: "One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French Film Gardé a Vue (Under Suspicion) to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course... Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend."
Freeman concluded his Oscar tribute with a simple but heartfelt farewell: "So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you'll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend." The camera captured the solemn faces of Hollywood's elite as they reflected on Hackman's remarkable contributions to cinema.
The circumstances surrounding Hackman's death at 95, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have prompted an investigation by authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, at the Oscars, the focus remained on celebrating his artistic legacy rather than the tragedy of his passing.
