At the 97th Annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Hollywood icon Goldie Hawn, aged 79, made headlines with an unexpected revelation about her health. While co-presenting the award for Best Animated Feature alongside actor Andrew Garfield, Hawn encountered difficulty reading the teleprompter, leading to a candid admission about her vision.
As they began their presentation, Hawn started by reflecting on her career, saying, “I was so lucky to make movies… and making people laugh.” However, she abruptly paused and turned to Garfield, confessing, “OK. Sweetheart, can you read that? I can’t read that.” She further elaborated on her condition by stating, “I’m completely blind. I mean, I am! Cataracts.”
Cataracts are a common age-related condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or foggy vision. This can make daily activities like reading or driving challenging. While cataracts develop gradually, they can significantly impact one’s quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, cataract surgery is widely regarded as safe and effective.
In response to Hawn’s admission, Garfield maintained his composure and offered assistance, reassuring her by saying, “OK, I’ve got you,” before continuing with the presentation.
This moment highlighted Garfield’s professionalism and empathy, earning him praise from viewers and colleagues alike.
Prior to the vision-related interruption, Garfield had taken a moment to express his gratitude toward Hawn for the joy she brought to his late mother, Lynn, who passed away in 2019. Holding Hawn’s hand, Garfield shared, “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.” He continued, “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.”
This heartfelt tribute left Hawn visibly moved, and she responded emotionally, “Thank you so much, that really touches me.” She then attempted to continue with her scripted speech, stating, “I was so lucky [to] make movies… and making people laugh. And maybe some didn’t, but that’s OK.”
Despite the touching nature of the exchange, sources close to Hawn later revealed that she felt embarrassed by the attention her vision issues received. An insider shared, “Goldie is embarrassed that the focus of her Oscar night was her vision issues. It is not something she wanted everyone talking about. She was just trying to be funny.”
The incident sparked discussions about age-related health conditions and the importance of addressing them openly. Hawn’s candidness shed light on the prevalence of cataracts among older adults and the challenges they pose. Her willingness to share her experience may encourage others facing similar issues to seek medical advice and consider treatment options.
In the aftermath of the Oscars, many fans and fellow actors expressed their support for Hawn, praising her bravery and authenticity. The evening also underscored the camaraderie within the entertainment industry, as demonstrated by Garfield’s compassionate response.
Overall, Goldie Hawn’s revelation at the Oscars served as a poignant reminder of the human aspects of aging, even among celebrated figures, and highlighted the importance of empathy and support within the community.
