Film Society of Lincoln Center to Honor Morgan Freeman With 43rd Chaplin Award
READ MORE: Watch: Morgan Freeman Whispers Stressful Somethings in Exclusive ‘The C Word’ Clip
The Film Society of Lincoln Center has announced that Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman will receive the 43rd Annual Chaplin Award at a special gala on Monday, April 25. The evening will celebrate the actor with special guests, film and interview clips and the presentation of the award. The Chaplin Award has been given since 1972 and is presented each year to a notable industry talent. Past winners include Alfred Hitchcock, Laurence Olivier, Elizabeth Taylor, Martin Scorsese and Meryl Streep, among many others.
“The Board is delighted to honor Morgan Freeman with the Chaplin Award this year,” said FSLC Chairman Ann Tenenbaum in an official statement. “He is one of the most gifted actors of our time and his body of work has changed the film landscape. He is universally loved as an actor and as a humanitarian, and we are thrilled to add the Chaplin to the long list of distinguished awards he has already received.”
Freeman began his career on Broadway, but soon segued into television where many recognized him on “The Electric Company,” in which he played the Easy Reader and several recurring characters. His film work includes classics like “The Shawshank Redemption” and blockbusters such as “The Dark Knight” trilogy. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for his turn in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby.”
“Morgan Freeman is one of most highly regarded and beloved actors of his generation and we are excited to honor all of his achievements with the Chaplin Award, our biggest fundraiser of the year, which recognizes those whose mastery of their craft has made an impact on the art of film,” added FSLC Executive Director Lesli Klainberg. “Whether in a leading or supporting role, he brings a quiet gravitas to each of his memorable performances.”
Freeman can be next seen in Focus Features’ “London Has Fallen,” Warner Bros’ “Going in Style,” Alfa Films’ “Now You See Me 2” and Paramount Pictures’ “Ben-Hur.”
