Hollywood Mourns a Legend: Morgan Freeman Honors Gene Hackman at Oscars 2025, Days After His Passing

Hollywood paid tribute to one of its greatest icons at the 97th Academy Awards, as Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt speech honoring his late friend and former co-star, Gene Hackman.

Gene Hackman Morgan Freeman

The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, came just four days after Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home.

A Touching Tribute from a Close Friend

As Freeman, 87, took the stage ahead of the evening’s In Memoriam segment, his voice carried a mix of sorrow and reverence.

“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” he began. “I had the privilege of sharing the screen with Gene in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and, like everyone who ever worked with him, I was in awe of his talent.

Morgan Freeman speaks onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California

He was not only a masterful performer but also a generous collaborator who elevated every film he was part of.”

Freeman continued, emphasizing Hackman’s impact on the film industry and his enduring legacy.

“He won two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ And tonight, we honor him for that and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Remembering Gene Hackman’s Career and Influence

Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Gene Hackman during Runaway Jury Press Conference with Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, John Cusack and Rachel Weisz at the Wyndham Hotel in New Orleans, LA

His roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, and The Royal Tenenbaums solidified his status as a Hollywood legend. Despite stepping away from acting in 2004, his influence never faded.

Freeman and Hackman’s collaboration in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven earned Hackman his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1993. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and their friendship extended far beyond the set.

Following news of Hackman’s passing, Freeman took to Instagram to share his grief:

“One of the greatest joys of my career was bringing Under Suspicion to life alongside the incredible Gene Hackman. And of course… Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

The Tragic Passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, along with one of their dogs. Authorities initially found no signs of foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning, but further investigation revealed some suspicious details.

According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple had likely been deceased for some time before being found. An overturned heater, an open pill bottle, and distressed dogs roaming the home prompted officials to conduct a more thorough investigation.

Gene Hackman & wife Betsy Arakawa during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills

“The presence of pill bottles is a significant piece of evidence,” Mendoza stated. “Toxicology reports will be crucial in determining what happened, but those results could take up to three months or longer.”

A Life Lived with Grace and Dignity

Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991, lived a quiet life in New Mexico after his retirement from acting. The couple was last seen publicly in March 2024, during a rare outing in Santa Fe.

As Hollywood mourns his passing, Hackman’s legacy remains untouchable. His commitment to his craft, his unforgettable performances, and the friendships he nurtured will be remembered for generations to come.

The Oscars 2025 tribute was a fitting farewell to a man whose impact on cinema will never fade.