Freeman, whose friendship with Hackman spans decades, called the late actor a “giant” of the film industry in his homage.

Morgan Freeman paid a special tribute to Gene Hackman Sunday night at the Oscars, calling the late actor a "giant" and a "dear friend." "This week our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend,

Gene Hackman was honored at the Academy Awards by his 'Unforgiven' co-star Morgan Freeman: "Our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend."