Morgan Freeman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Morgan Freeman.

Morgan Freeman is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, and narrator with a career spanning six decades. He's received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, plus lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. He was also a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008. In 2022, he was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time by Empire magazine readers, highlighting his significant impact and enduring popularity in the film industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Obie Award for Coriolanus

In 1979, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Coriolanus.

1980: Obie Award for Mother Courage and Her Children

In 1980, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Mother Courage and Her Children.

1987: Obie Award for Driving Miss Daisy

From 1987–90, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Driving Miss Daisy.

1989: Golden Globe Award for Driving Miss Daisy

In 1989, Morgan Freeman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Driving Miss Daisy.

1994: The Shawshank Redemption and Berlin Film Festival Jury

In 1994, Morgan Freeman played Red in "The Shawshank Redemption". Despite challenges during filming, his performance was well-received. The film received Academy Award nominations, including one for Freeman. Also, in 1994, Freeman served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.

Loading Video...

1997: Narration and Acting Roles in 1997

In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated "The Long Way Home", an Academy Award-winning documentary. He also appeared in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad", which received mostly positive reviews. Additionally in 1997, he starred as Alex Cross in "Kiss the Girls", receiving mixed reviews.

Loading Video...

2004: Academy Award Win for Million Dollar Baby

In 2004, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Big Bounce" and "Million Dollar Baby". "Million Dollar Baby" won four Academy Awards, and Freeman won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Loading Video...

2004: Screen Actors Guild Award for Million Dollar Baby

In 2004, Morgan Freeman won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Million Dollar Baby.

Loading Video...

May 13, 2006: Honorary Degree from Delta State University

On May 13, 2006, Morgan Freeman received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree from Delta State University.

October 28, 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award

On October 28, 2006, Morgan Freeman was honored at Mississippi's Best Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in film and theater.

2008: Kennedy Center Honoree

In 2008, Morgan Freeman was chosen as a Kennedy Center Honoree at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

2009: Starred in Thick as Thieves and Invictus

In 2009, Morgan Freeman starred in "Thick as Thieves" alongside Antonio Banderas and "The Maiden Heist" with Christopher Walken and William H. Macy. He also starred as Nelson Mandela in "Invictus", a biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood. His performance in "Invictus" earned him Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Additionally, in 2009, he narrated Janet Langhart's "Anne and Emmett".

2011: AFI Life Achievement Award

In 2011, Morgan Freeman received the AFI Life Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the film industry.

2012: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2012, Morgan Freeman was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the film industry.

2013: Honorary Degree from Boston University

In 2013, Boston University presented Morgan Freeman with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

November 12, 2014: Freedom of the City Award

On November 12, 2014, Morgan Freeman was bestowed the honor of Freedom of the City by the City of London.

August 2017: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award

In August 2017, Morgan Freeman was named the 54th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.

2021: Appeared in Coming 2 America and The Kominsky Method

In 2021, Morgan Freeman appeared in "Coming 2 America", a sequel to the 1988 film, and took a guest starring role in the Netflix comedy "The Kominsky Method", earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

Loading Video...