At the 2025 Academy Awards, Goldie Hawn, the 79-year-old Oscar-winning actress renowned for her roles in “Cactus Flower” and “Private Benjamin,” made headlines with a candid revelation about her health. While presenting the award for Best Animated Feature alongside actor Andrew Garfield, Hawn experienced difficulty reading the teleprompter, leading to an unexpected and heartfelt moment on stage.
As the duo stood before the audience, Hawn began her scripted lines but soon paused, visibly struggling to read the text. Turning to Garfield, she admitted, “OK. Sweetheart, can you read that? I can’t read that.” She then openly shared, “I’m completely blind. I mean, I am! Cataracts.”
Cataracts are a common eye condition, especially prevalent among older adults, where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or impaired vision. If left untreated, cataracts can cause significant vision problems, but they are typically addressed with a straightforward surgical procedure.
Garfield responded with composure and empathy, reassuring Hawn by saying, “OK, I’ve got you,” before proceeding to read the nominees and announce the winner for Best Animated Feature, which was the Latvian film “Flow.”
Earlier in their presentation, Garfield took a moment to express his deep appreciation for Hawn’s impact on his late mother, Lynn Garfield, who passed away in 2019. He shared, “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. That person is Goldie Hawn.” Visibly moved, Hawn responded, “Thank you, sweetie, that really touches me.”
This touching exchange highlighted not only Hawn’s enduring influence in Hollywood but also the genuine connections and heartfelt moments that can occur during such prestigious events. Despite the unforeseen challenge presented by her cataracts, Hawn’s grace and Garfield’s support turned the moment into one of the most memorable of the evening.
The incident also shed light on the prevalence of cataracts and the importance of addressing vision health, especially among aging populations. Hawn’s openness about her condition may inspire others experiencing similar issues to seek medical advice and consider treatment options.
In the broader context of the Oscars, the ceremony celebrated numerous achievements in film, with “Anora” taking home Best Picture and Mikey Madison winning Best Actress for her role in the same film. The event was also marked by other heartfelt moments, such as Zoe Saldana’s emotional acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress and Kieran Culkin’s recognition as Best Supporting Actor.
Goldie Hawn’s candid revelation and the subsequent support from Andrew Garfield underscored the authenticity and humanity that resonate beyond the glamour of Hollywood, reminding audiences of the real-life challenges and emotions that even the most celebrated individuals face.
