Just hours before Hollywood's elite hit the red carpet to celebrate the biggest night honoring actors and the films they star in, news broke about the death of one of their own.
As we reported, Bill Paxton died at the age of 61 due to complications from surgery and so stars made to their way to the award show, on what was supposed to be such a celebratory night, with heavy hearts.
"A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker," a rep for his family said in a statement. "Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”
The breaking news was so fresh and on the minds of so many that when Jennifer Aniston mentioned Paxton prior to the In Memoriam package she got choked up and most of the audience was also teary eyed.
But before the Oscars even aired, tons of Paxton's friends and colleagues took to social media to react to, mourn and pay tribute to this great actor.
And in honor of his iconic role in the blockbuster Twister, a few storm chasers paid tribute to Paxton in the most fitting way.