Morgan Freeman Honors Gene Hackman in Emotional Oscars Tribute
Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late acting icon Gene Hackman during an emotional speech at this past weekend’s Academy Awards.
The 97th Oscars carried a somber note following the tragic passing of Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe home last week. The legendary actor was 95.
Although initial reports suggested no foul play, authorities have since deemed the circumstances of their deaths “suspicious” enough to warrant further investigation.
Fans of Hackman were left searching for answers as the shocking news spread, and speculation grew over the possible cause.
Speaking to *TMZ*, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, admitted the family was still uncertain about what happened but suspected carbon monoxide poisoning might have played a role.
“The house was built in 2000, so it’s relatively modern,” she explained. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if any recent service calls were made to the property.”
Given Hackman’s impact on the film industry, it was only fitting that Hollywood’s biggest stars took a moment to honor him during the ceremony. Among them was Morgan Freeman, who shared the screen with Hackman in the Oscar-winning western *Unforgiven* (1992) and later in *Under Suspicion* (2000), one of Hackman’s final roles before his retirement.
As reported by *Variety*, Freeman opened his tribute with a poignant reflection:
“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. I had the pleasure of working with Gene on two films, *Unforgiven* and *Under Suspicion*. Like everyone who ever stood beside him on set, I learned he was not only a generous actor but a man whose immense talent elevated everyone around him.”
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to Gene Hackman before the #Oscars In Memoriam segment pic.twitter.com/lcQVzfXvvo
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Freeman then quoted Hackman’s own words:
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’”
With a pause, Freeman added, “I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”
As the investigation into Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths continues, the Santa Fe City Fire Department has reportedly ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, stating that no signs of a gas leak were found at the residence. The New Mexico Gas Company confirmed their own tests also detected no traces of a leak.
According to *The Associated Press*, Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom, while his wife was found in a bathroom next to a space heater.
Further details from a search warrant issued by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office revealed an open prescription bottle and pills scattered across the bathroom counter.
Denise Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated that neither Hackman nor Arakawa had any visible injuries or gunshot wounds.
At this time, it remains unclear how long the couple had been deceased before their bodies were discovered, though *MailOnline* reported that the remains were partially mummified.