Tributes to the late actor Gene Hackman have rounded off the traditional in-memoriam segment at the Academy Awards in Hollywood.
The actor, whose body was found last Wednesday along with those of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs, was one of cinema’s most beloved and respected stars. His death, particularly in what appear to be upsetting circumstances, has been deeply felt across the industry.
Hackman, who was 95, won Oscars for The French Connection and Unforgiven, and was nominated for Bonnie and Clyde, I Never Sang for My Father and Mississippi Burning.
His Unforgiven co-star Morgan Freeman, who was also a close friend, said Hackman would be remembered for being a good man, “and for so much more”.
Also recognised in the Academy’s annual tribute was David Lynch, who won an honorary Oscar in 2019, following nominations for The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. He died in January aged 78.
Maggie Smith, the veteran British actor best known to younger audiences for her work as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, also made an appearance in the montage. Smith won the best actress Academy Award 55 years ago for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, as well as supporting actress for 1978’s California Suite. Smith died in September at the age of 89.
Others remembered included Donald Sutherland, Shelley Duvall, Gena Rowlands, James Earl Jones, Dick Pope, Jeff Baena, Bob Newhart, Kris Kristofferson, M Emmet Walsh, Robert Towne, Joan Plowright and Teri Garr.
Read more about the 2025 Oscars:
Anora wins best original and Conclave wins best adapted screenplay
Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña win supporting prizes
No Other Land wins best documentary andFlow wins best animated feature
