Morgan Freeman honours ‘good friend’ Gene Hackman in a tearful tribute at 2025 Oscars
The infamous In Memoiran segment of the 97th Academy Awards honoured those lost in the past year, including a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, led by his close friend Morgan Freeman.
The 97th Academy Awards honoured those lost in the past year with a deeply moving In Memoriam segment, including a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, led by his close friend Morgan Freeman.
Freeman, who starred alongside Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion , left Oscars fans in tears over his tribute to his friend.
As he walked out onto the Oscar’s stage, following a length applause, his speech reflected on Hackman’s legacy. Freeman, 87, recalled Hackman’s desire to “do good work,” adding, “You’ll be remembered for that, and so much more.”
Freeman said: “The community lost a giant. I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films Unforgiven and Under Suspicion.”
He continued: “I learned he was a generous man to everyone he worked with and he won the hearts of filmgoers across the world.
“Gene said to me I don’t think about legacy; I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and so much more. Rest in peace my friend.”
The segment then paid tribute to other film greats, including Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Joan Plowright, Donald Sutherland, Kris Kristofferson, Shelley Duvall, David Lynch, James Earl Jones, and more, with moving images capturing their lasting impact on cinema.
Before the ceremony began at the Dolby Theatre, it had been reported that Freeman would be honouring his late friend and co-star during the broadcast.
Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 61, were tragically found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their bodies showed signs of mummification, and while a German Shepherd was found deceased, two other dogs were discovered alive. Authorities are investigating the deaths, though initial reports suggest no foul play.”
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