The Screen Actors Guild announced on Tuesday that actor Morgan Freeman will receive the SAG’s top honor of Life Achievement Award. He will be joining some of the industry’s elite as the recipient of the prestigious award, like Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, Rita Moreno, Debby Reynold and last year’s Lily Tomlin.
Freeman will be the 54th recipient of the Life Achievement Award, bestowed for his achievements in film in addition to his humanitarian accomplishments.
Starting his career at the age of 12 in Mississippi, Freeman worked his way up to film and television roles and eventually to Hollywood. He starred in unforgettable movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, Driving Miss Daisy, to name but a few. His Hollywood career, has resulted in over $4.5 billion in cumulative worldwide ticket sales.
“I am thrilled to announce Morgan Freeman as this year’s recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. Some actors spend their entire careers waiting for the perfect role. Morgan showed us that true perfection is what a performer brings to the part,” SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris said in a statement. “He is innovative, fearless and completely unbound by expectations. As a chauffeur, convicted murderer, boxing gym attendant, pimp or president, Morgan fully realized every character baring their souls and showcasing their humanity. It has been a privilege to see his genius at work.”
The 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award will broadcast live on January 21.
