Morgan Freeman delivered an emotional tribute to his "dear friend" Gene Hackman at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night.
The Oscar-winning actor took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to honour Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa at their New Mexico home last week.
Freeman introduced the In Memoriam segment with heartfelt words about his former co-star, whom he described as a "giant" of Hollywood.
The tribute came as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65.
Freeman delivered a tribute to his "dear friend" Gene Hackman
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Speaking on stage, Freeman said: "This week our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman."
"Like everybody who has ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone's work," Freeman continued.
He praised Hackman for winning "two Oscars but most importantly, he won the hearts of film-lovers around the world”.
Freeman shared Hackman's own words about his legacy: "Gene always said: 'I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.'"
Freeman called Hackman a "giant" of the screen in his tribute
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"So, I think I speak for us all when I say: Gene, you'll be remembered for that — and for so much more," Freeman concluded.
Freeman and Hackman's professional relationship spanned decades, beginning with their collaboration in Clint Eastwood's 1992 western Unforgiven.
For his performance in that film, Hackman won his second Academy Award. The actor won his first for William Friedkin's 1971 neo-noir film The French Connection.
The pair reunited in 2000 for the thriller Under Suspicion, which Freeman described as "one of the personal highlights of my career".
Fans were quick to react to the “beautiful tribute” and shared their thoughts on social media.
“Morgan Freeman’s commentary on Gene Hackman at the Oscars just wrecked me. That voice, those words, pure heart. Legends honouring legends,” one wrote.
Another glowed: “beautiful tribute to a legendary actor. Gene Hackman’s talent and legacy will always be remembered.”
Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home last week
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Another shared: "When Morgan Freeman speaks, even silence leans in to listen. He could narrate a grocery list and still win an Oscar."
"I watched the episode In Memoriam with a heavy heart. I hope the new generations will leave a great legacy like those beautiful people," a different viewer penned.
Someone else praised: "Morgan Freeman’s tribute to Gene Hackman was heartfelt, true legend!" (sic)
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 28, 2025, along with one of their dogs.
Authorities have described the circumstances as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."
According to early medical findings, Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, suggesting that was when he passed away.
Officials have stated there was no obvious sign of foul play, but they cannot rule it out at this stage.
Toxicology reports are pending, though initial results indicate no presence of carbon monoxide poisoning.
