At the 2025 Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, a poignant moment unfolded when Goldie Hawn, the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress, took the stage alongside Andrew Garfield to present the award for Best Animated Feature. What began as a routine presentation transformed into an emotional exchange that left a lasting impression on both the audience and viewers worldwide.
As they approached the announcement, Garfield paused to share a heartfelt tribute to Hawn, revealing the profound impact she had on his late mother, Lynn, who passed away in 2019 after battling pancreatic cancer. Holding Hawn’s hand, Garfield expressed, “There’s a person who 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.” He continued, “You’ve given us movies full of joy. You’ve lifted our spirits, and you’ve made us feel that all was right with the world, over and over again.”
Visibly moved, Hawn responded, “Thank you, sweetie. That really touches me.” She reflected on her career, adding, “I was so lucky making movies in this amazing Hollywood and making … , and maybe some didn’t, … .”
However, the emotional depth of the moment deepened when Hawn encountered difficulty reading the teleprompter. Pausing, she turned to Garfield and admitted, “Sweetheart, can you read that? I can’t read that.” She then candidly disclosed, “I’m completely blind. I mean, I am!” before revealing the reason behind her struggle: “Cataracts.”
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or foggy vision. This condition can make tasks like reading or driving, especially at night, increasingly difficult. While cataracts tend to develop gradually, they can significantly impact daily life if left untreated.
Garfield remained composed, reassuring her with, “OK, I’ve got you,” as he picked up where she left off.
This candid revelation shed light on Hawn’s ongoing health challenges. In recent years, she has been open about her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, particularly during the early stages of her career. In a 2024 interview, Hawn shared that after landing her first major role in the 1967 sitcom “Good Morning World,” she experienced anxiety and panic attacks, leading her to seek professional help. She recalled, “I realized that every time I’d go into a restaurant or a place, I’d get dizzy, and I would want to go home.” She further reflected on losing her innate joy during that period, describing it as “the scariest thing that has ever happened to me.”
Despite these challenges, Hawn has continued to be a beacon of positivity and resilience in Hollywood. Her recent appearance at the Oscars, alongside her longtime partner Kurt Russell, showcased their enduring relationship and mutual support. The couple, who have been together for over 40 years, exuded joy and style on the red carpet, with Hawn in a striking yellow gown and Russell in a classic tuxedo.
The 2025 Oscars ceremony was filled with memorable moments, but the exchange between Hawn and Garfield stood out as a testament to the deep connections forged through art and the human experiences that bind us all. Their interaction highlighted the profound impact that artists can have on individuals’ lives, offering comfort, joy, and a sense of shared humanity.
As the evening progressed, the audience was reminded of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the shared experiences that define us. Hawn’s openness about her health challenges, coupled with Garfield’s heartfelt tribute, served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of storytelling in cinema.
