From left: Gene Hackman, Michelle Trachtenberg and James Earl Jones.Photo:Randy Shropshire/Getty;Evan Agostini/Getty;Mark Sagliocco/Getty
Randy Shropshire/Getty;Evan Agostini/Getty;Mark Sagliocco/Getty
The 2025Oscarsceremony honored the actors, filmmakers and Hollywood-industry individuals whodied over the past year, but one star was noticeably left out.
Freeman even took a moment to give a special shout-out in honor of his recently deceased friend and formerUnforgivencostar Hackman, saying, “He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
“Gene always said, I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,” added Freeman, 87. “So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Kevin Winter/Getty
Noticeably absent from the segment wasMichelle Trachtenberg, whodied on Feb. 26at age 39. However, despite not appearing in the live segment, theGossip GirlandBuffy the Vampire Slayeralum was still included as part of the official In Memoriam database onThe Academy’s website.
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Michelle Trachtenberg in West Hollywood, California, on Feb. 9, 2020.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Also missing from the In Memoriam tribute wereHeathersactressShannen Doherty, whodied in July 2024 at age 53, andCandymanlegendTony Todd, whodied in November 2024 at age 69. Both Doherty and Todd were also included on the Academy’s website.
Gene Hackman at the 1993 Academy Awards.Avalon/Getty
Avalon/Getty
One day after Trachtenberg’s death, it was announced thatHackman had also died. The bodies of Hackman, his wifeBetsy Arakawaand one of their dogs were discovered in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home the day prior.
The retired five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner was 95.
source: people.com
