Hollywood’s coolest narrator, Morgan Freeman, is set to pay tribute to legendary actor Gene Hackman at the 2025 Oscars, because who else could make a tribute sound like an epic movie trailer?
Gene, the two-time Academy Award winner and cinematic powerhouse, sadly passed away this week at the age of 95, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Their passing has left Hollywood and fans reminiscing about his countless iconic roles—especially the ones where he glared at people with that “I know more than you” look.
Now, the Academy has decided that only one man is worthy of saying goodbye to Gene in front of a room full of extremely well-dressed millionaires—Morgan Freeman. Because, let’s be honest, if anyone can make us all cry in under five minutes, it’s the man with the voice of an ancient wise owl.
A Friendship Forged in Cinematic Gold
Morgan and Gene first joined forces in Unforgiven (1992), a Western so good it won four Oscars and made everyone suddenly want to wear cowboy hats indoors. Gene took home the Best Supporting Actor award for playing a villain so terrifying he probably gave Clint Eastwood nightmares. The duo later reunited in Under Suspicion (2000), a movie that absolutely no one remembers but now suddenly wants to rewatch in Gene’s honor.
The Mystery Continues
While fans prepare to honor Gene at the Oscars, an investigation into his and Betsy’s passing is still ongoing. However, officials have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, meaning Hollywood’s best detectives—aka the internet—are currently cooking up theories faster than a tabloid on a slow news day.
Gene’s family has reportedly decided not to attend the Oscars this year, most likely because they prefer to remember him at home, rather than surrounded by people clapping politely for three hours straight.
Rest in peace to a true legend—Hollywood won’t be the same without your signature scowl and undeniable talent, Gene. And if anyone can send him off in style, it’s Morgan Freeman, because let’s be real: the man could read a grocery list and make it sound like poetry.
