Veteran actor Morgan Freeman is set to honor his late Unforgiven co-star Gene Hackman during the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, according to a family member who spoke to TMZ. The tribute will be part of the In Memoriam segment, recognizing Hackman’s legacy in Hollywood.
Freeman’s tribute will come just days after Hackman’s passing, which has left Hollywood mourning the loss of a cinematic legend. Hackman and Freeman worked together in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 classic Unforgiven, for which Hackman won his second Academy Award. Although Freeman was not nominated for the film, he later won an Oscar in 2005 for Million Dollar Baby. The two actors reunited in 2000 for the thriller Under Suspicion, one of Hackman’s final projects before his retirement in 2004.
Hackman’s family has stated they will not be present at the ceremony, though they appreciate the tribute honoring his legacy.
The tribute follows the recent passing of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 28, 2025. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of their deaths. Early medical findings revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, leading investigators to believe that was when he passed away. Toxicology reports are pending, but initial results indicate no presence of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, is widely recognized for his performances in The French Connection, The Conversation, and Mississippi Burning. His sudden passing has sparked tributes from across the film industry, with colleagues and fans reflecting on his impact on cinema.
As Hollywood prepares to honor Hackman, Freeman’s speech is expected to serve as a heartfelt farewell to one of cinema’s most revered actors. The Academy has not yet released an official statement regarding the tribute.
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