Award-winning actor Gene Hackman was honored during Sunday night’s Academy Awards in a tribute led by his longtime friend and former co-star, Morgan Freeman.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Sante Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday (February 26). The deaths of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, are under investigation, although there were no obvious signs of foul play.
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The news of their deaths shook Hollywood and elicited tributes from Hackman’s fellow actors and fans who loved him.
During Sunday night’s 97th Academy Awards show at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater, Hackman was honored in an extended portion of their annual In Memoriam segment. In a touching tribute, the two-time Oscar winner was remembered by his Unforgiven co-star, Morgan Freeman.
Morgan told the audience, “This week our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend.”
Freeman went on to detail his work with Hackman and shared what he learned from the star.
“Like everyone who had ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work,” Freeman said. “He won two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.
He added, “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ 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.”
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to Gene Hackman before the #Oscars In Memoriam segment pic.twitter.com/lcQVzfXvvo
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Gene Hackman’s family was not in attendance at the ceremony.
Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman’s History
Freeman and Hackman worked together several times over the course of their careers. The two paired up for the 1992 Clint Eastwood film, Unforgiven, which earned Gene Hackman his second Academy Award. His first came 21 years prior for his lead role in The French Connection.
Morgan Freeman won his own Oscars trophy twelve years later for his role in another Clint Eastwood film, Million Dollar Baby.
Hackman and Freeman appeared together in the 2000 thriller, Under Suspicion, marking one of Hackman’s last roles prior to his retirement in 2004.
Following Gene’s death, Morgan posted a series of photos and a tribute on social media, saying: “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.”