Oscars 2025 In Memoriam: Gene Hackman, James Earl Jones, and More Legends Honored in Emotional Tribute

The 2025 Oscars delivered a heartfelt In Memoriam segment on March 2, spotlighting the cinematic giants we lost over the past year. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood during the 97th Academy Awards, this tribute—set to a haunting rendition of Mozart’s "Requiem" by the Los Angeles Master Chorale—honored legends like Gene Hackman, James Earl Jones, and Maggie Smith.

With Hackman’s recent passing just days before the ceremony, the segment became a poignant reminder of the indelible marks these icons left on film history.

Which Hollywood Icons Were Featured in the Oscars 2025 In Memoriam Segment?

The In Memoriam montage paid respects to a remarkable roster of talent. Gene Hackman, who passed away on February 26, 2025, at age 95, closed the segment, his image lingering as a final tribute to the two-time Oscar winner known for The French Connection and Unforgiven.

James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, and Maggie Smith, beloved for Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, were also prominently featured. Other luminaries included Donald Sutherland, David Lynch, Gena Rowlands, and Shelley Duvall, each name evoking decades of unforgettable performances.

What Other Talents Were Recognized During the Tribute?

Beyond the headliners, the segment celebrated a diverse array of contributors. Actors like Louis Gossett Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Teri Garr, and Bob Newhart joined producers Roger Corman and Jon Landau, directors Norman Jewison and David Lynch, and writers Robert Towne and Charles Shyer on the list. Cinematographer Dick Pope, songwriter Will Jennings, and composer Richard Sherman also received nods, reflecting the Academy’s effort to honor the full spectrum of filmmaking artistry. The montage’s breadth underscored the industry’s collective loss in 2024 and early 2025.

Why Were Some Notable Names Missing from the In Memoriam Segment?

As is often the case, the tribute sparked debate over absences. Michelle Trachtenberg, who died on February 26 at age 39, was notably excluded, despite her film roles in Harriet the Spy and EuroTrip. Shannen Doherty, Tony Todd, and Olivia Hussey also missed the on-air montage, though they appeared in the Academy’s online database. With Hackman’s last-minute inclusion after his sudden death, time constraints likely influenced the final cut, leaving fans to voice frustration on X over perceived snubs.

How Did the Oscars Present the In Memoriam Segment This Year?

The 2025 tribute opted for a somber tone, eschewing the star-studded musical performances of past years—like Andrea Bocelli’s 2024 rendition—for a minimalist approach. A chorus in shadow sang “Lacrimosa” from Mozart’s "Requiem in D Minor," accompanying a circular frame of stills and clips. The four-and-a-half-minute segment culminated with Hackman’s photograph, a choice that amplified its emotional weight. Critics on social media praised the gravitas, though some questioned the stark staging compared to previous years.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Oscars 2025 In Memoriam segment was a moving roll call of cinematic brilliance, from Gene Hackman’s gritty realism to James Earl Jones’ commanding presence. While not without controversy over omissions, the tribute captured the essence of a year that saw Hollywood bid farewell to some of its brightest lights.

As the final notes of Mozart faded, viewers were left reflecting on the legacies these artists forged—legacies that will echo through film for generations to come.