Morgan Freeman donned a solitary glove at the previous year’s Oscars, prompting queries from viewers. The 95th Academy Awards saw the A Good Person actor join Margot Robbie on stage to commemorate the 100th year of Warner Bros. Studios in 2023. However, attention turned to Freeman’s glove, a recurring sight, notably during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Opening Ceremony. Freeman, at 86, has been spotted wearing a compression glove on his left hand in public appearances. The reason behind this choice goes back to a major car accident he faced in 2008 in Mississippi.

During the incident, Freeman was driving late at night when his car veered off the road, flipping several times before landing in a ditch near his residence. Rescuers had to use hydraulic cutters to free him, with Freeman remaining conscious and joking throughout the ordeal. Despite efforts to treat him at the scene, the actor’s injuries were severe, necessitating transportation over 100 miles to a Memphis hospital. The surgery lasted over four hours, addressing multiple broken bones and resetting his arm.

Although Freeman could resume acting, he endured permanent nerve damage and persistent shoulder pain. The inability to move his left hand led to swelling, prompting the actor to wear the compression glove for relief. In a 2010 interview with People magazine, Freeman shared that his condition had not improved, emphasizing the need to move the hand to prevent swelling. The car accident not only impacted his physical health but also exacerbated his fibromyalgia, with shooting pain affecting his arm.