At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Andrew Garfield and Goldie Hawn took the stage together, where the actor delivered an emotional tribute to the legendary actress.
Garfield, visibly moved, held Goldie’s hand and shared that she had brought immense joy 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, thanked Garfield for his heartfelt words. The younger actor went on to acknowledge the joy she had brought audiences worldwide, making people feel like everything was right, even in tough times.
Goldie Hawn’s Health Revelation
During their on-stage exchange, Goldie shared a surprising personal revelation. Struggling to read from 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 condition that clouds the eye’s lens, gradually impairs vision, making daily activities like reading or driving difficult. While manageable in early stages with eyeglasses, surgery is often required as the condition progresses.
Goldie Hawn’s Struggles with Anxiety
Beyond her vision issues, Goldie has been open about past struggles with mental health. In November 2024, she discussed her battles with anxiety and depression on the “Making Space with Hoda Kotb” podcast.
Early in her career, after landing her first major TV role on Good Morning World, she began experiencing panic attacks and dizziness, making public outings overwhelming. “I was a happy kid. I didn’t know what happened to my joy,” she recalled.
Determined to take control, she spent nine years in therapy, learning about self-awareness, forgiveness, and handling 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 sparked mixed reactions online. While some found it touching, others were puzzled by the moment. One person questioned, “What a weird thing to say. What did he mean?”
Others quickly clarified that Garfield’s mother, who passed away in 2019, was a huge fan of Goldie, making his words deeply 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.
Conan O’Brien’s Controversial Joke
Another unexpected Oscars moment came from first-time host Conan O’Brien, whose humor stirred controversy. 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.”
With Garfield’s heartfelt tribute and Conan’s divisive joke, the 97th Academy Awards delivered moments that were both touching and controversial, ensuring that Hollywood’s biggest night would be remembered for more than just its winners.
