The Oscars celebration in 2025 paid tribute to the actors, directors, and other persons from the Hollywood business who had passed away in the previous year; however, one celebrity was conspicuously absent from the ceremony.
During the In Memoriam section, which was hosted by Morgan Freeman and included a live rendition of Mozart’s “Requiem – Lacrimosa,” notable individuals who had passed away, such as Gene Hackman and James Earl Jones, were honored. According to Freeman, “He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.” Freeman even took a minute to offer a special shout-out in honor of his friend and former costar in Unforgiven, Hackman, who passed away not too long ago.
The phrase “I don’t think about legacy” was usually stated by Gene. Freeman, who is 87 years old, continued by saying, “I just hope that people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.” “Gene, I believe that I am speaking for all of us when I say that you will be remembered not just for that, but for a great deal more than that. My buddy, may you finally find rest.
at the emotional portion that took place at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 2, which was broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Shelley Duvall, Donald Sutherland, Maggie Smith, David Lynch, Gena Rowlands, Jeff Baena, and Bob Newhart were also among those who were recognized.
It was clear that Michelle Trachtenberg, who had passed away on February 26 at the age of 39, was not there throughout the episode. In spite of the fact that she did not participate in the live portion, the actress who had previously been on Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer was nevertheless listed in the official database of In Memoriam information that is available on The Academy’s website.
The cause of loss of the actress who played Harriet the Spy was deemed “undetermined” by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday, February 27.
It was only one day following the passing of Trachtenberg that it was revealed that Hackman had also passed away. Within the confines of their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the bodies of Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found the day before.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the losses, which were deemed “suspicious enough in nature” for “a thorough search and investigation,” as reported by ABC News. The losses are also a part of the investigation.
The retired actor, who had won two Oscars and been nominated for five, was 95 years old.
Check out the complete coverage that PEOPLE has provided for the 97th annual Academy Awards, which were hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast on ABC.
