Oscars’ shocking omission of the late Michelle Trachtenberg; Hackman also honoured

The Oscars have been slammed after Michelle Trachtenberg was mysteriously missing from the In Memoriam segment, as Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Gene Hackman.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred in popular shows Buffy and Gossip Girl, was mysteriously excluded from the In Memoriam segment at the Oscars.

The 39-year-old actress died at her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday. Her death was announced several hours before the death of actor Gene Hackman, who was paid tribute by Morgan Freeman at the Oscars.

Social media users slammed Trachtenberg’s omission from the segment, with one saying, “It’s shameful that the Oscars didn’t include Michelle Trachtenberg in their memorial montage of all the actors/actresses who have passed within the year!”

Other stars not included in the segment include Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg died on Wednesday last week. Picture: Michael Tran / AFP

Taking to the stage to present the In Memoriam segment, Freeman appeared close to tears as he remembered his great friend Hackman, who was tragically found dead alongside his wife at their home in Santa Fe on February 26.

“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman began in his speech.

An image of Gene Hackman is displayed on a screen as Morgan Freeman pays tribute. Picture: AFP

“I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion.

“Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”

“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” Freeman continued.

Morgan Freeman pays tribute to his “dear friend” Gene Hackman. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

“I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”

The segment also honoured stars such as James Earl Jones, David Lynch, Gena Rowlands, Terri Garr and Bob Newhart who all departed over the past 12 months.

The emotional tribute ended with a large photo of Hackman.

US actor Gene Hackman arrives at the Shrine Auditorium in 1989 to attend the 61st Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood. Picture: AFP

There are more than 100 movie professionals who died since the last Academy Awards.

Hackman won Academy Awards in 1972 and 1993.

His first win, which was presented to him by Liza Minnelli, was for Best Actor for his role in the action thriller The French Connection.

“Thank you very much,” Hackman said onstage at the start of his speech. “I just want to start at the beginning just for a second and say, sitting out there next to Barbara Harris reminds me of my first acting scene ever.”

Hackman then shouted out William Friedkin, who won the Best Director Oscar earlier in the night. “I have to thank him because he really brought me through this when I wanted to quit,” he said.

The actor also thanked producer Philip D’Antoni and his co-star Roy Scheider, with his final shoutout going to his then-wife, Faye Maltese.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. Picture: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

“And last, a young lady who I met in New York many years ago, Miss Felippa Maltese, and she brought me uptown,” he said. “Thank you.”

Hackman won his second Oscar in 1993 for Best Supporting Actor for the Western Unforgiven.

After Mercedes Ruehl presented the award to Hackman, he thanked “all the wonderful actors,” naming his co-stars Richard Harris, Morgan Freeman, Frances Fisher and Clint Eastwood, who also directed the film.

Of Eastwood, now 94, Hackman said, “Clint, who kind of made it all possible for me and for everyone else in the film. It was a wonderful experience.”

Hackman then dedicated his award to his “wonderful” uncle Orin Hackman, who died one day before the ceremony.

Unforgiven grossed nearly US$160 million at the worldwide box office upon its 1992 release. The movie won three other Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing.

Hackman won two Oscars out of five nominations in his career.

He was nominated for his supporting roles in Bonnie & Clyde (1967) and I Never Sang for My Father (1971) and lead role in Mississippi Burning (1989).

He retired from Hollywood in 2004 for health reasons.

The deaths of actor Gene Hackman (R) and his wife Betsy Arakawa (L) are being investigated by police. Picture: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

It comes after data from Hackman’s pacemaker revealed he died nine days before he was found at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

A caretaker who discovered his body, along with that of his wife Betsy Arakawa, called 911 on Wednesday.

But experts who analysed 95-year-old Hackman’s pacemaker believe he died on February 17.

Police said full post-mortem test results would take several months but added there was no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In his emotional 911 call, the unidentified caretaker told emergency services: “I think we just found two or one deceased persons inside a house. They’re not moving. Just send someone up here really quick.”

Santa Fe County deputies remain outside the house belonging to actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were earlier found dead in Santa Fe. Picture: AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales

When asked by the operator if the people in the house were breathing, the caller replied: “I have no idea. I am not inside the house.

“It’s locked. But I can see she’s lying on the floor from the window.”

Hackman’s body was found in the mud room, or an entryway to the property, while Betsy’s was discovered in a bathroom, along with one of the couple’s pet German Shepherd dogs, also deceased.

Two living dogs were found on the property.

Initial post-mortem examinations found no sign of “external trauma” on the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa, however, detectives said the deaths were “suspicious enough” to require a thorough search and investigation.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza speaks during a press conference at the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office to provide an update on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. Picture: Getty Images)

Scattered pills and an open prescription bottle were found near 63-year-old Arakawa.

Police said they have taken items including medication, mobile phones, medical records and a 2025 calendar after searching the sprawling property.

A former marine known for his gruff demeanour and versatility, Hackman appeared in more than 80 films during a career that started in the early 1960s.

He won Best Actor at the 1972 Oscars for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for his role in Clint Eastwood’s western, Unforgiven.