For his leading role in The French Connection, a film that changed crime cinema forever, actor Gene Hackman receives an Oscar. He died in late February at the age of 95.

Director William Friedkin’s gritty, documentary-style style gave the story an unprecedented intensity and authenticity. Set in the gritty, unadorned New York of the 1970s, the film follows Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (Gene Hackman) and his partner Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) as they obsessively pursue an international heroin smuggling operation.

What sets The French Connection apart is the uncompromising way it builds tension. The film is largely shot with handheld cameras, which puts the audience right in the middle of the action. The chase scene—in which Doyle tears through the streets of New York in a car while trying to pass a train—is still considered one of the best in film history.

Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Popeye Doyle is one of the most powerful performances ever. His character is not your typical hero: he is gritty, obsessive, and morally ambiguous. Hackman's intense and natural acting made Doyle an icon. With his recent passing at the age of 95, the film world has lost a legendary actor who brought realism and depth to Hollywood.

Please note: English spoken and English subtitled.