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Morgan Freeman gave tribute to two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, four days after Hackman was found dead.Related video above: Remembering those we lost in 2025“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend: Gene Hackman,�� he said."He received two Oscars, and more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world," he said.Freeman and Hackman co-starred in the 1992 Clint Eastwood Western “Unforgiven�� �� the movie that earned Hackman his second Oscar. They were also both in 2000’s “Under Suspicion.”“Rest in peace, my friend,�� Freeman said.Hackman both opened and closed the in memoriam segment at the 97th Academy Awards.Also during the night, firefighters who battled the Palisades and Eaton wildfires received a rousing standing ovation, complete with whistles and roars.“I don’t know why I did this �� I just a second ago nodded and said ‘thank you,’�� host Conan O’Brien joked after the audience quieted down.They were also honored onstage at the Grammys, in addition to being called out at every major award show this year. Host Conan O’Brien made them read some jokes he’d rather not make himself."And remember: everyone in this audience has to laugh �� these are heroes!" O'Brien said.The Associated Press contributed to this report.