Morgan Freeman shared a touching tribute to Gene Hackman at the Oscars as he introduced the annual ‘in memoriam’ segment, while Michelle Trachtenberg was not included.
The Hollywood icon, who took home two Academy Awards throughout his incredible career, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe this week at the age of 95, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog.
There is currently a police investigation underway, with officials revealing that they may have died ‘several days’ before they were discovered.
After condolences poured in on social media from around the world, Freeman appeared on stage at the Dolby Theater in LA, to share his love for his late co-star.
‘This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,’ he began, to applause from the crowd.
‘I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and like everyone who would ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man who gets elevated everyone’s work.
‘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.”
‘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.’
James Earl Jones, David Lynch, Donald Sutherland, Shelley Duvall, Bob Newhart and Dame Maggie Smith were among the other huge names being honored in the tribute.
However, viewers were livid to realize that Trachtenberg, who also died at the end of February, was not recognized.
Many rushed to Twitter to complain about her absence, including Prettyfunnysometimes, who fumed: ‘How did Michelle Trachtenberg get snubbed at the in memoriam segment, she’s literally iconic for a lot of peoples childhood #Oscars
‘Where is Michelle Trachtenberg in the memoriam ? Disgusting #Oscars,’ Ashley Bruzio agreed.
A social media user known as Eddie agreed: ‘To not include Michelle Trachtenberg is just disrespectful… #Oscars #Oscars2025.’
‘Michelle Trachtenberg acted her entire life. She deserved recognition. She deserves her flowers. #Oscars,’ Liv Cawley insisted.
Oscars 2025: Full list of winners
Picture
Anora
Director
Sean Baker – Anora
Leading actress
Mikey Madison – Anora
Leading actor
Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Supporting actor
Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Supporting actress
Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Original screenplay
Anora
Adapted screenplay
Conclave
Cinematography
The Brutalist
Editing
Anora
Production design
Wicked
Costume design
Wicked
Makeup and hairstyling
The Substance
Original score
The Brutalist
Original song
El Mal – Emilia Pérez
International feature
I’m Still Here
Sound
Dune: Part Two
Visual effects
Dune: Part Two
Animated feature
Flow
Animated short
In the Shadow of the Cypress
Documentary feature
No Other Land
Documentary short
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Live action short
I’m Not a Robot
Twitter user Joel Garcia had a possible explanation for Trachtenberg not being included.
‘For those upset about the #Oscars omitting Michelle Trachtenberg, to be fair, she was more known for her TV work than film,’ they wrote.
‘I expect to see her in the #Emmys’ In Memoriam segment.’
Shannen Doherty and Tony Todd were also among those who were not mentioned in the annual segment.
Trachtenberg, most known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, died on February 26 at the age of 39.
She was reportedly found ‘by her mother around 8am local time on Wednesday in a luxury apartment complex in New York.
Police officials announced that she had been ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ and her death was not being investigated as suspicious.
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later announced that an autopsy will not be done to investigate her cause and manner of death.
According to the New York Post, her family reportedly declined an autopsy, meaning her cause of death will remain undetermined.
Oscars pays touching tribute to Gene Hackman as Michelle Trachtenberg ‘snubbed’