Why Morgan Freeman Wore Just One Glove at the Oscars – Explanation

The veteran actor, who won an Oscar in 2005 for “Million Dollar Baby,” arrived in a sleek suit. Yet, it wasn't his outfit that caught attention—it was the black glove on his left hand.

The Moment That Sparked Questions

Freeman took the stage on March 2 to pay tribute to his longtime friend and fellow actor, Gene Hackman. He called Hackman “a giant” in the industry, reminiscing about their time working together on “Unforgiven” (1992) and “Under Suspicion” (2000).

With his hand resting on the podium, Freeman honored Hackman's humility, recalling how he never spoke of his legacy but simply wanted to be remembered for good work. “Gene, you'll be remembered for that, and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend,” Freeman concluded. As he stood there, the glove on his left hand remained an unanswered mystery. Why was he wearing it?

The Reason Behind the Glove

Freeman's choice to wear a single glove at the Oscars wasn't about fashion. The answer lies in a past injury that changed the actor's life. In 2008, he survived a serious car accident in Mississippi.

The accident happened late at night, just before midnight, on a quiet stretch of highway near Charleston. Freeman was behind the wheel when his car suddenly veered off the road. It flipped multiple times before crashing into a ditch.

According to reports, emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene only to find the actor and a female passenger, Demaris Meyer. Despite both of them wearing seatbelts, the wreck was severe enough that they had to be airlifted to a hospital in Memphis, 90 miles away.

Despite the surrounding chaos and his serious condition, Freeman, 71 at the time, displayed remarkable resilience and remained conscious and aware of his surroundings.

A local journalist, Clay McFerrin, who arrived at the scene, recalled how Freeman was talking—even joking—with rescue workers. When someone tried to snap a photo, he quipped, “No freebies, no freebies.”

Per authorities, their comprehensive investigation confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the incident, and furthermore, no other vehicles were present at the scene, ruling out the possibility of a collision.

However, despite the seemingly straightforward nature of the accident, the aftermath would prove to have lasting repercussions on the lives of those involved.

A Night That Changed Everything

The crash left him with permanent nerve damage in his left hand. Though he recovered, his hand never regained full function. The hand remained stiff and unresponsive. Over time, it became a source of constant pain.

He has worn a compression glove in public ever since to manage circulation issues and prevent swelling. Freeman has previously spoken about the lasting effects of the accident.

In moments of discomfort, he instinctively grips his shoulder, and his arm stiffens. The pain is unpredictable, striking when he walks, when he sits, when he simply moves the wrong way. “It's the fibromyalgia,” he once said. “Up and down the arm. That's where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”

Adjusting to a New Reality

The compression glove became more than just a medical aid. It was a necessity, keeping Freeman's hand from swelling and helping manage circulation. But no glove could restore what he had lost.

Freeman's life changed in ways beyond physical pain. Hobbies that once brought him joy—flying jets, sailing solo to the Caribbean—were no longer possible. He had taken up piloting at sixty-five, a passion that gave him freedom in the skies. Now, with only one fully functional hand, he could no longer trust himself at the controls.

Sailing was another love he had to give up. There was a time when he would disappear on his boat for weeks, embracing the solitude of the open sea. “It was complete isolation,” he once said. “The best way for me to find quiet, how I found time to read.”

But now, he couldn't risk it. A boat, like a plane, required both hands. Driving, at least the way he used to, was also out of the question. Despite the limitations, Freeman never spoke of his injury as a loss. He never expressed resentment or frustration over what had been taken from him. Instead, he focused on what remained.

“I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn't gotten better. I can't move it,” he admitted, explaining that if he couldn't move his hand, it would swell up.”

But there was no self-pity. No hint of unfairness. “There is a point to changes like these,” he said. “I have to move on to other things, to other conceptions of myself. I play golf. I still work. And I can be pretty happy just walking the land.” When asked how he manages to play golf with his condition, he added, “I play one-handed. I swing with my right arm.”

Living with the Aftermath

By 2017, nine years after the accident, the actor was still dealing with its effects despite doctors assuring him that his condition would improve by 2011. Yet, he refused to let it slow him down. At 79, Freeman attended the opening of 42nd Street The Musical in London. On the red carpet, he stood tall, his signature charm intact.

Dressed casually in a chambray shirt, jeans, and a navy bomber jacket, Freeman smiled as he posed alongside actress Sarah Hadland, exuding his usual confidence.

But it was the glove that drew attention to which a representative later confirmed that it was not a style choice but a necessity. Yet, even with these challenges, Freeman kept moving forward.

How His Hand Looks Without the Glove

Morgan Freeman is rarely seen without his compression glove, but on a few occasions, his injured hand has been visible. One such moment was during the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where Freeman performed on stage without wearing a glove.

His hand appeared noticeably stiff, a silent reminder of the permanent nerve damage he sustained years ago.

In 2021, he shared a video on Instagram featuring a clip of himself singing. This time, his hands were uncovered, giving fans a rare glimpse of his ungloved left hand.

The same happened in 2019 when he presented the AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington. As he stood at the podium, his hands were bare.

Though the glove is often present, these moments highlight the reality of his condition. Whether covered or not, his hand remains a lasting symbol of resilience—a part of his journey that he has embraced rather than hidden.

Freeman's presence at the 2025 Oscars did more than honor Gene Hackman—it sparked an outpouring of emotion online. Fans took to social media to express their admiration and concern for the legendary actor.

“I will shed a tear the day we lose him. An absolute legend,” one user wrote. Another added, “Aww, I hope he gets better. Such a great actor.”

Others expressed sadness, sending well wishes.”So sad, I hope he feels better. You're such a great actor and a great person.” Some were curious about the glove itself. “Does a glove put away pain?” one person asked. Others simply sent prayers, hoping for his continued strength.

Freeman's resilience has long been admired, and his appearance at the Oscars served as yet another reminder of his enduring legacy. Despite his challenges, he continues to stand tall, proving that his spirit remains unshaken.