During the 2025 Oscars In Memoriam segment, Morgan Freeman paid a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend and co-star, Gene Hackman, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 95.
Freeman, 87, emotionally spoke about Hackman’s legacy in the world of cinema, sharing how fortunate he was to work alongside the legendary actor in films like Unforgiven and Under Suspicion.
The announcement of Hackman’s passing shocked the entertainment world.
Just days before the Oscars, Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found in their Santa Fe mansion under mysterious circumstances.
Their bodies were reportedly discovered with signs of mummification, which raised alarm and left investigators searching for answers.
The Mysterious Discovery at Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Home
On Wednesday, authorities made a chilling discovery at Gene Hackman’s $3.3 million estate in Santa Fe.
The couple was found partially mummified with pills scattered in their bathroom, leaving many questions unanswered.
As investigators launched a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of their deaths, the cause remains a mystery.
According to officials, there were no signs of foul play, though the situation is still being treated with suspicion.
One of their dogs, a German Shepherd, was also found deceased, while the other two animals were found roaming the property.
Authorities confirmed that Gene Hackman’s pacemaker data showed the last recorded activity was on February 17, leading them to believe that this was likely the date of his passing.
An Emotional Farewell from Freeman at the Oscars
At the Oscars, Freeman reflected on his time working with Hackman.
The two starred together in Unforgiven, which earned Hackman his second Academy Award.
Freeman remembered Hackman as not only an incredible actor but as a generous and humble performer who made those around him shine.
He recalled how Hackman, despite his fame, often expressed that he didn’t think much about his legacy—he simply wanted to be remembered for doing good work.
Freeman concluded his tribute by saying, “Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.
Rest in peace, my friend.” The touching words brought a moment of solemnity to the otherwise glamorous awards ceremony.
Gene Hackman’s Last Years Away from the Spotlight
After retiring from acting in 2004, Gene Hackman chose a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Leaving behind the chaos of fame, he moved to New Mexico with his wife, where he lived peacefully for two decades.
In an eerily prophetic 2004 interview, Hackman shared his fears about the inevitable passage of time and his desire to provide for his family.
At the time, he mentioned, “I don’t have a lot of fears, I have the normal fear of passing away… I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of.”
Hackman is survived by three children from a previous marriage, Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of many who admired his remarkable career and his unassuming nature.
The Oscars 2025 Ceremony: A Star-Studded Event Filled with Surprises
The 2025 Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, were marked by notable moments, from Conan O’Brien’s debut as host to the unusual unpredictability of the awards themselves.
This year’s Oscars had a range of nominees across various categories, with Emilia Pérez leading the way with 13 nominations.
The star-studded event brought the spotlight to films like The Brutalist and Wicked, both of which also saw numerous nominations.
O’Brien joked about his hosting gig, saying, “I only agreed to host so that I could get invited,” adding some humor to the otherwise serious event.
The night saw some tense competition in categories like Best Picture and Best Actor, with films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez generating much buzz.
Oscar Nominations 2025: The Films and Performers Who Took Center Stage
The 2025 Oscar nominations were highly competitive, with Emilia Pérez leading the way.
The film, featuring a standout performance by Karla Sofía Gascón as a transgender former drug lord, captured the attention of critics and audiences alike.
Gascón earned nominations in the Best Actress category, while Zoe Saldaña received a nod for Best Supporting Actress.
Other notable films included The Brutalist, which garnered 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Brady Corbet), and Best Actor (Adrien Brody).
Wicked also made waves, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo taking the stage for a stunning performance and several nominations in acting and technical categories.
The ceremony also honored exceptional talent in categories like Best Cinematography, Best Original Song, and Best Animated Feature, with Flow winning Best Animated Feature and The Brutalist taking home Best Cinematography.
The Legacy of Gene Hackman and Hollywood’s Ever-Changing Landscape
Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, as the actor was a key figure in the golden age of cinema.
Known for his raw talent and versatility, Hackman’s career spanned decades and included iconic films like The French Connection and Superman.
His decision to retire early, leaving behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, speaks volumes about his desire for a quieter life in New Mexico.
As the Oscars celebrated the best films of 2024, Hackman’s tribute was a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of film legends who choose to leave their mark in a quieter, more meaningful way.
The legacy of stars like Hackman continues to inspire both new and old generations of movie lovers.