Morgan Freeman’s Tearful Oscars 2025 Eulogy for Gene Hackman Will Break Your Heart

On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles fell silent as Morgan Freeman took the stage at Oscars 2025 to deliver an emotional eulogy for his late friend and co-star, Gene Hackman. Just days after Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home, Freeman’s heartfelt tribute during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment left audiences in tears and sparked a wave of online tributes. From their shared cinematic legacy to the mystery still surrounding Hackman’s death, here’s everything we know about this unforgettable moment that honored a Hollywood legend.

What Did Morgan Freeman Say in His Eulogy for Gene Hackman?

Morgan Freeman, with his iconic voice trembling with emotion, opened the 97th Academy Awards' In Memoriam segment with a personal tribute to Gene Hackman. "This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman," Freeman began. He reflected on their collaborations in Unforgiven (1992) and Under Suspicion (2000), praising Hackman as "a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work."

Freeman also shared Hackman’s humble outlook, quoting him: "I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work." Closing with, "Rest in peace, my friend," Freeman’s words resonated deeply, earning applause and sparking emotional reactions across social media.

Why Was Gene Hackman Honored at the Oscars 2025?

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), passed away at 95 on February 26, 2025, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog in their New Mexico home. The timing of his death—just four days before the March 2 ceremony—prompted the Academy to extend the In Memoriam segment with a special tribute.

Freeman, who had starred with Hackman in two films, was chosen to lead the homage, highlighting Hackman’s monumental contributions to cinema, including classics like Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums. The tribute underscored Hackman’s status as a beloved Hollywood titan.

How Did Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman’s Friendship Begin?

Freeman and Hackman’s bond was forged on the set of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, where Hackman won his second Oscar for his chilling portrayal of Little Bill Daggett. Freeman, who played Ned Logan, later described Hackman as "inspiring and magnificent" in a post on X following his death.

Their collaboration continued in the 2000 thriller Under Suspicion, one of Hackman’s final films before retiring in 2004. Freeman’s eulogy emphasized Hackman’s generosity as a performer, a quality that left a lasting impression on him and countless others who shared the screen with the late star.

What Made Freeman’s Oscars Tribute So Emotional?

The raw emotion in Freeman’s delivery was palpable, amplified by the recent and mysterious circumstances of Hackman’s passing. At 87, Freeman stood before Hollywood’s elite, his voice breaking as he spoke of losing "a dear friend." The backdrop of Hackman’s death—still under investigation with no clear cause—added a layer of poignancy.

Fans on X noted Freeman’s visible struggle to maintain composure, with one user posting, "Morgan Freeman’s eulogy for Gene Hackman at the Oscars broke me—such a heartfelt goodbye." The combination of personal loss and Hackman’s towering legacy made the moment unforgettable.

What Is the Latest on Gene Hackman’s Death Investigation?

Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths remain shrouded in mystery. Found on February 26, 2025, by maintenance workers, their bodies were reportedly "partially mummified," suggesting they had been deceased for at least nine days—Hackman’s pacemaker recorded his last activity on February 17. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and found no signs of foul play, though pill bottles at the scene have raised questions. Full autopsy and toxicology results are pending, leaving fans and authorities awaiting answers as Freeman’s tribute brought renewed attention to the tragedy.

How Did Hollywood React to Freeman’s Eulogy?

The Oscars tribute sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from Hackman’s peers. Clint Eastwood, who directed Unforgiven, called Hackman "a dear friend whom I will miss very much." Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, and Tom Hanks also paid respects online, with Hanks noting, "There has only been Gene Hackman." Freeman’s words amplified these sentiments, cementing Hackman’s legacy as a singular talent. The eulogy not only honored Hackman but also reminded the industry of the deep personal connections behind the silver screen.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Morgan Freeman’s eulogy for Gene Hackman at the Oscars 2025 was more than a tribute—it was a cathartic moment that captured the essence of a legendary actor and a cherished friend. As the investigation into Hackman’s death continues, Freeman’s words, "You’ll be remembered for that and so much more," echo as a fitting farewell to a cinematic icon.

The Oscars stage may have dimmed, but Hackman’s light, reflected through Freeman’s tearful goodbye, will shine on in Hollywood history.