Morgan Freeman speaks about Gene Hackman with an image of Hackman on the screen during the Oscars 2025, on Sunday, March 02. (AP Photo)
The 2025 Academy Awards turned into an evening of heartfelt remembrance, honoring two Hollywood legends—Gene Hackman and Quincy Jones. While one tribute carried a heavy sense of loss, the other was a vibrant celebration of musical brilliance.
Morgan Freeman’s Emotional Tribute to Gene Hackman
In a last-minute addition to the ceremony, veteran actor Morgan Freeman took the stage to pay homage to his longtime friend and two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman. The 95-year-old actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe home just five days earlier, leaving Hollywood in mourning. The cause of their deaths remains under investigation.
Freeman, visibly moved, spoke about Hackman’s legacy, recalling their time together in films like Under Suspicion (2000) and Unforgiven (1992), the latter earning Hackman his second Academy Award.
“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend,” Freeman said solemnly. “Gene received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers worldwide.”
He closed his tribute with Hackman’s own words: “I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.” Looking towards the audience, Freeman added, “Gene, you will be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Following Freeman’s speech, the Oscars played their annual In Memoriam segment, featuring notable industry figures who passed away in the past year. Among them were director David Lynch and actors Maggie Smith, Teri Garr, Joan Plowright, Donald Sutherland, Louis Gossett Jr., Shelley Duvall, and James Earl Jones. Brief clips of their most iconic performances were shown, including Garr’s memorable scene from Tootsie, where she declared, “I am a professional actress!”
A Joyous Celebration of Quincy Jones’ Legacy
In contrast to the somber remembrance of Hackman, the Oscars also took time to celebrate the life and career of legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3 at age 91.
Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg led the tribute, highlighting Jones’ unparalleled influence on music and film.
“When one hears the name Quincy Jones, the first thought is musical genius,” Winfrey said. “But our beloved Q also had a profound impact on film as a composer and producer.”
Goldberg added, “When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy.”
The audience then witnessed a high-energy performance by Queen Latifah, who delivered a gospel-inspired rendition of Ease on Down the Road from The Wiz. The stage came alive with vibrant dancers, backed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Earlier in the evening, the ceremony had already paid homage to Jones when Cynthia Erivo opened the show by performing Home from The Wiz alongside Wicked star Ariana Grande.
Winfrey, who starred in The Color Purple (1985), spoke about Jones’ role in launching her Hollywood career. “He discovered me for The Color Purple, which was my first film,” she shared. Jones had produced the film and co-wrote its score, cementing his legacy in cinematic history.
Two weeks after his passing, Jones was honored posthumously with his second honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November.
A Night of Reflection and Celebration
The 2025 Oscars perfectly balanced grief and gratitude, offering a moving farewell to Hackman while celebrating the everlasting contributions of Jones. From Freeman’s touching words to the electrifying musical performances, the night served as a powerful reminder of how these two legends shaped the worlds of film and music.
