Jennifer Aniston Tears Up Paying Tribute to Bill Paxton Before Emotional 'In Memoriam' at Oscars 2017
As the 89th Annual Academy Awards approached, it was already clear that this year's "In Memoriam" segment was going to be one of the most heartbreaking in recent memory. This was only further cemented by the untimely death of veteran actor Bill Paxton one day before the ceremony.
Jennifer Aniston came out to present the tribute to those in the movie industry we lost over last 12 months, and got emotional as she tearfully remembered Paxton, whom she called her "friend" and "cherished member of our Hollywood family."
WATCH: Bill Paxton, Star of ‘Twister’ and HBO’s ‘Big Love,’ Dies at 61
Singer Sara Bareilles led the touching "In Memoriam" with a rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." The powerful performance was a perfect tribute to their memories.
Among those honored included Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke, Deer Hunter director Michael Cimino, Star Trek's Anton Yelchin, Oscar-winning music icon Prince, beloved comic Gene Wilder, Pretty Woman director Garry Marshall, Star Wars' Carrie Fisher and her mom, Singin' in the Rain legend Debbie Reynolds, longtime SAG president Ken Howard and Oscar-nominated performers John Hurt and Mary Tyler Moore, among many others.
MORE: Oscars 2017: Why This Year's 'In Memoriam' Will Be the Saddest Ever
Paxton died on Saturday due to a stroke following heart surgery. For more on the beloved star's life and legacy, watch the video below.