Morgan Freeman Gives Heartfelt Oscars Tribute to Gene Hackman: ‘I Lost a Dear Friend… A Man Whose Gifts Elevated Everyone’s Work’

variety.com:

J. Kim Murphy The Oscars paid tribute to Gene Hackman during Sunday’s ceremony, with the actor’s “Unforgiven” co-star Morgan Freeman introducing an honor for the late star.

The speech preceded the ceremony’s in memoriam, honoring the industry figures who have died in the previous year. “This week, our community lost a giant.

And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman began in his speech. “I had the pleasure of working alongside gene on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.” “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy.

I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,'” Freeman continued. “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.” Hackman, 95, was found dead Wednesday, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65.