Goldie Hawn left Oscars viewers shocked after sharing an emotional health update live on stage.
The 79-year-old Hollywood icon was presenting the award for Best Animated Feature alongside Andrew Garfield when she suddenly paused mid-speech, struggling to read the teleprompter.
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"I was so lucky to make movies… and making people laugh," she began before stopping.
Turning to Garfield, she admitted: “OK. Sweetheart, can you read that? I can't read that."
When he leaned in to help, Hawn continued: "I'm completely blind. I mean, I am!" before revealing the reason behind her struggle: "Cataracts."
Garfield remained composed, reassuring her with: "OK, I've got you," as he picked up where she left off.
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, often making vision appear blurry or foggy.
The 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.
Fortunately, surgery to remove them is widely considered safe and effective.
Despite the unexpected moment, the presentation still delivered one of the night’s most touching highlights.
As they announced the winner for Best Animated Feature, Garfield surprised Hawn with a heartfelt tribute, sharing how she had a profound impact on his late mother—leaving the legendary actress visibly moved and hiding her tears behind the winner’s envelope.
The Social Network star’s mother Lynn Garfield died in 2019 following a battle with cancer.
The British actor asked as they started presenting: “Can I tell you something?”
He continued before turning to Hawn: “There's someone, 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.”
“You've given us movies full of joy. You've lifted our spirits and you've made us feel it all was right with the world, over and over again,” he said while holding her hand.
Trying to hold back tears, she responded: “Thank you so much, that really touches me.”
She added: “I was so lucky [to] make movies... and making people laugh. And maybe some didn't, but that's OK.”
Elsewhere, Anora dominated this year’s Oscars, taking home the award for Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Director for Sean Baker.
The independent film tells the story of a sex worker who dances at a strip club and meets — and marries — the son of a Russian oligarch. It takes a human-centred approach to filmmaking, focusing on themes of identity, resilience and a complex journey towards self-discovery.
Accepting the win, director Baker said: “I want to thank the Academy for recognising a truly independent film.”
Earlier in the night, an emotional Zoe Saldana broke down in tears as she picked up the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, while Kieran Culkin was honoured as Best Supporting Actor.
While Adrien Brody picked up Best Actor for his turn in The Brutalist but he came under fire for his speech.
Conclave, Wicked, The Substance, Emilia Pérez, and Dune: Part Two each took home awards. Read the full list of winners here.
