Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn shared the stage at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, when the actor paid passionate tribute to the great actress.
Garfield, genuinely saddened, grasped Goldie’s hand and told her that she had brought much delight to his late mother, Lynn Garfield.
“There’s a person who gave my mother the most joy, the most comfort, and tonight I feel very lucky because I get to thank that person from the bottom of my heart. That person is Goldie Hawn,” he said.
Goldie, blushing and playfully hiding behind the winner’s envelope, thanks Garfield for his kind remarks. The younger actor went on to appreciate the joy she had brought to audiences all across the world, making them feel as if everything was right even during difficult times.
Goldie Hawn’s Health Revelation
During their on-stage conversation, Goldie revealed an unexpected personal truth. Trying to read off the teleprompter, she turned to Andrew and said, “Okay, sweetheart, can you read that? I can’t read it. I’m completely blind. I mean, I am!” She then clarified, “I have cataracts.”
Andrew quickly reassured her, saying, “It’s okay, I’ve got you,” before continuing with the script.
Cataracts, a disorder that veils the eye’s lens, gradually decreases vision, making daily tasks such as reading and driving difficult. While eyeglasses can help in the early stages, surgery is generally necessary as the problem worsens.
Goldie Hawn’s Struggles with Anxiety
Aside from her vision challenges, Goldie has spoken openly about her past mental health struggles. In November 2024, she shared her struggles with anxiety and despair on the “Making Space with Hoda Kotb” podcast.
Early in her career, after getting her first significant TV part on Good Morning World, she developed panic attacks and dizziness, making public appearances difficult. “I was a happy kid. I didn’t know what happened to my joy,” she recalled.
Determined to gain control, she spent nine years in therapy, learning about self-awareness, forgiveness, and dealing with fame. “We can’t live in the dark and wonder what’s going on with us. We have to acknowledge it because only then can we fix it,” she said.
The Internet Reacts to Garfield’s Tribute
Garfield’s tribute to Goldie generated varied comments online. While some found it touching, others were perplexed by the situation. One person questioned, “What a weird thing to say. What did he mean?”
Others swiftly emphasized that Garfield’s mother, who d.i.e.d in 2019, was a major Goldie fan, making his words quite personal. “His mom passed away in 2019; it was a very tragic death. He was thanking her for being one of his mom’s idols,” a user explained.
However, some felt Goldie’s reaction was lukewarm, with one joking, “Poor Andrew Garfield pouring his heart out, and she’s like, ‘Okay.’” Another added, “It seemed very awkward on Goldie’s part.”
Yet, others defended the moment, calling it a rare display of authenticity. “So funny how jaded people are… It was sweet, gracious, and a rare moment of REAL in Hollywood,” one viewer wrote.
Andrew Garfield to Goldie Hawn: “There’s a person that gave my mother during her life the most joy, the most comfort and tonight I feel very lucky because I get to thank that person from the bottom of my heart. That person is Goldie Hawn.”#Oscarshttps://t.co/nl9CxOviL4 pic.twitter.com/ZECLT3Imk4
— ABC News (@ABC) March 3, 2025
Conan O’Brien’s Controversial Joke
Another surprise Oscars moment came from first-time host Conan O’Brien, whose jokes sparked debate. Midway through the ceremony, he quipped, “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”
The joke was met with awkward silence, scattered laughter, and immediate backlash online. “Nobody’s laughing,” one user pointed out, while another wrote, “He literally ruined the night.” However, some defended Conan’s edgy humor, calling it the “funniest moment of the show.”
The 97th Academy Awards produced beautiful and controversial moments, like Garfield’s moving tribute and Conan’s divisive joke, ensuring that Hollywood’s biggest night would be remembered for more than simply its victors.
