Freeman and Hackman, who was found dead last week at the age of 95, appeared together in the 1992 western “Unforgiven.”

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

The Oscars are honoring Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman. The awards celebrated the life and career of the "French Connection" star at Sunday's ceremony, days after he was found dead alongside his wife,