Oscar winner Morgan Freeman introduced the In Memoriam segment of the Academy Awards that paid tribute to cast, crew and movie executives who passed away in the previous year.
โWell, this week, our community lost a giant,โ began Freeman, โand I lost a dear friend: Gene Hackman.โ
โI had the pleasure of working alongside Gene in two films: โUnforgivenโ and โUnder Suspicion.โ And like everyone whoโs ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyoneโs work. He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world,โ he continued.
โGene always said, โI donโt think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,โโ Freeman said.
โSo I think I speak for us all when I say, โGene, youโll be remembered for that and for so much more.โ Rest in peace, my friend.โ Hosted by Conan OโBrien, the 2025 Oscars are broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The official red carpet show will start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Theย 2025 Oscars are available to watchย on ABC and stream live on Hulu.
Among theย most-nominated filmsย are โEmilia Pรฉrezโ with 13 nominations and โWickedโ with 10. The list of performers include Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Queen Latifah, Raye and Doja Cat, among others. The ceremony will also feature a special appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Followย TODAY.comโs live blogย for complete Oscars coverage, includingย this yearโs winnersย and unexpected moments.
