“Tonight we take a moment to remember those we lost over the past year,” she announced to the auditorium at the 89th Academy Awards.
But for Jen, who stunned in a sparkling black gown and over $10 million worth of diamonds, it was the sudden passing of her friend Bill Paxton that really got her choked up.
“As was beloved actor and friend, who left us just yesterday,” holding back her tears, she continued, “Bill Paxton. Sorry. All were loved and all will be missed.”
The 48-year-old then introduced Sara Bareilles, who sang a tribute in their honour.
Just a day before the Oscars, actor Bill Paxton, famous for his roles Apollo 13, Titanic and Aliens, sadly passed away following complications during heart surgery.
As reported by TMZ, the 61-year-old actor was undergoing an operation on Saturday, February 25 when he suffered a stroke, which ultimately took his life.
The actress, just like the rest of the world, was shocked over the sad loss.
Bill was just 61 years old.
Jen, who attended the ceremony with her husband Justin Theroux, also honoured other Hollywood legends, including the Carrie Fisher and Gene Wilder.
According to Bill’s grief-stricken family, his “illustrious career spanning four decades” saw him to become “a beloved and prolific filmmaker”.
So much so, he won an Emmy for his work in history series Hatfields and McCoys, and starred in Golden Globe-nominated HBO series Big Love.
