Why Morgan Freeman wore a glove at the 2025 Oscars

LOS ANGELES (NEXSTAR) — While not up for an Oscar, actor Morgan Freeman was at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday to pay tribute to two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, who was found dead last week.

As Freeman took the stage Sunday, however, some noticed a simple black glove on his hand.

Freeman, an Oscar winner himself, has been seen wearing a glove on his left hand for several years.

Los Angeles, CA. March 2, 2025: Morgan Freeman at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

He previously told Esquire that he has fibromyalgia stemming from the nerve damage he suffered in a 2008 car accident.

Fibromyalgia is known to begin after events involving physical trauma, as well as surgery, an infection, and psychological stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is believed that fibromyalgia can amplify pain sensations and there is no cure for the condition.

While pain medications and therapy are often used to help minimize the impact of fibromyalgia, Freeman, 87, has opened up about wearing a compression glove as well.

"I suffered nerve damage and it hasn't gotten better," Freeman told People in 2010, adding that his hand would swell up if he did not move it.

Freeman also wore a glove when he presented at the 2023 Oscars and in his recent role in Paramount+'s "Special Ops: Lioness."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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