Jennifer Aniston was moved to tears as she paid tribute to Bill Paxton before introducing the In Memoriam segment at the Oscars.
The ‘Cake’ actress took the time to honour the ‘Twister’ star – who died aged 61 on Saturday (25.02.17) after suffering complications after surgery – at Sunday’s (26.02.17) ceremony as she introduced the video tribute to those lost from Hollywood over the last year.
Speaking on stage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre said: "Whether a Prince leading the musical revolution, or a princess leading a rebellion in a galaxy far far away.
"Every one was a cherished member of our Hollywood family… as was beloved friend and actor who left us just yesterday, Bill Paxton."
She then broke off to compose herself as she choked up before continuing the introduction.
She added: "Let us remember their lives and their beautiful work. All were loved, and all will be missed."
Sara Bareilles gave a heartfelt performance of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ while images of film industry stars, including Anton Yelchin, Prince, Gene Wilder, Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds, John Hurt and Mary Tyler Moore were projected on screen.
The segment ended with Carrie in her most famous role as ‘Star Wars’ Princess Leia saying: "May the Force be with you."
Shortly after the performance, the Academy posted a photo gallery of more than 200 recently deceased Hollywood professionals on Oscars.com.
Jennifer Aniston remembers Bill Paxton in Oscars tribute
