The 97th edition of the Oscars paid tribute to the great figures of cinema who recently passed away, with a special homage to Gene Hackman and David Lynch. Lynch's legacy in experimental cinema was highlighted through films like Blue Velvet and The Elephant Man. Images of personalities such as Donald Sutherland, Maggie Smith, Shelley Duvall, James Earl Jones, Joan Plowright, Anouk Aimée, and Bob Newhart were projected on screen. The absence of Tony Todd, Olivia Hussey, and Alain Delon, the latter considered a legend of European cinema, was surprising.
The segment, presented by Morgan Freeman, included an emotional speech in honor of Gene Hackman, who recently passed away under circumstances still under investigation. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven, was remembered in a heartfelt tribute. However, there were notable absences in the tribute, including the first actress from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, Silvia Pinal, who left an important legacy in films such as Viridiana.
The event was marked by controversy over the omissions in the tribute. Among the names that the Academy decided to omit are actresses such as Shannen Doherty, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Marisa Paredes, the latter recognized for her participation in La flor de mi secreto. Despite the absences, the tribute successfully honored some of the most prominent figures in the film industry who have left an indelible legacy.
