The Oscars included a somber elegy for Gene Hackman and a joyful tribute to Quincy Jones. Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his “Unforgiven” co-star Hackman, calling him a “giant” and “dear friend."

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,

"This week, our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend," said Freeman, who worked with Hackman in two films, including 1992's Unforgiven, which won Hackman his second Oscar. "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone's work,