Oscars pays touching tribute to Gene Hackman as Michelle Trachtenberg ‘snubbed’

Gene Hackman was honored during the Oscars in memoriam segment (Picture: AFP)

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 found.

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.

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Previous Page Next Page Morgan Freeman presented the annual segment (Picture: AFP)

‘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.

Gene won two Oscars in his career (Picture: Getty)

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

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Production design

Wicked

Costume design

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Makeup and hairstyling

The Substance

Original score

The Brutalist

Original song

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International feature

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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

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The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Live action short

I'm Not a Robot

However, 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.

Michelle Trachtenberg died at the age of 39 (Picture: Getty)

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.

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