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 whose career spans six decades. He has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Kennedy Center Honor, an AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers' poll by Empire.

Sections (4)

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

1979: Earned Obie Award for Coriolanus

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

1980: Earned 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: Earned Obie Award for Driving Miss Daisy

In 1987, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in 'Driving Miss Daisy'.

1989: Won Golden Globe 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

In 1994, Morgan Freeman starred as Red in "The Shawshank Redemption", a drama based on the 1982 novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". Despite challenges during filming due to multiple takes, Freeman's performance was well-received, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Also in 1994, Freeman served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.

Loading Video...

1997: Narration, Amistad and Kiss the Girls

In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated the Academy Award-winning documentary "The Long Way Home" and appeared in Steven Spielberg's historical epic "Amistad". He was also cast as psychologist Alex Cross in "Kiss the Girls", a thriller based on James Patterson's 1995 novel.

Loading Video...

2004: The Big Bounce and Million Dollar Baby

In 2004, Morgan Freeman starred in the comedy "The Big Bounce" and the sports drama "Million Dollar Baby". His role in "Million Dollar Baby" earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Loading Video...

2004: Won 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: Received 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: Honored at Mississippi's Best Awards

On October 28, 2006, Morgan Freeman received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Mississippi's Best Awards in Jackson, Mississippi.

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: Starring in Thick as Thieves and Invictus

In 2009, Morgan Freeman starred in "Thick as Thieves" alongside Antonio Banderas and portrayed Nelson Mandela in the biographical drama "Invictus", directed by Clint Eastwood. His performance as Mandela earned him Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. He also narrated Janet Langhart's play "Anne and Emmett" that year.

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Check it on Amazon

2011: Received AFI Life Achievement Award

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

2012: Awarded Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

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

2013: Received Honorary Degree from Boston University

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

November 12, 2014: Honored with Freedom of the City

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

August 2017: Named Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award Recipient

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: Appearance in Coming 2 America and The Kominsky Method

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

Loading Video...