"Gene always said, 'I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,'" Freeman said of his 'Unforgiven' and 'Under Suspicion' co-star.

Hackman's colleague and friend Morgan Freeman gave a brief tribute to the actor before the Oscars' in memoriam segment.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

The 97th Academy Awards show is hosted by television host and comedian Conan O'Brien and is airing on March 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST. 'Wicked,' 'Conclave,' 'The Brutalist,' 'Emilia Pérez,' 'Anora,

The Oscars paid tribute to Gene Hackman during Sunday's ceremony, with the actor's "Unforgiven" co-star Morgan Freeman introducing an honor for the late star. The speech preceded the ceremony's in memoriam,

Freeman, whose friendship with Hackman spans decades, called the late actor a “giant” of the film industry in his homage.

Morgan Freeman led an emotional tribute to honor Gene Hackman at the 2025 Oscars — just days after “The French Connection” actor and his wife were discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.

The Oscars included a somber elegy for Gene Hackman and a joyful tribute to Quincy Jones. Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his “Unforgiven” co-star Hackman, calling him a “giant” and “dear friend."

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Morgan Freeman led the Oscars' 'In Memoriam' tribute to Gene Hackman this year, which included Gena Rowlands, David Lynch, and James Earl Jones among the other honorees.

Gene Hackman died just days before the 97th Academy Awards, raising questions about whether he will be included in the In Memoriam segment.