AFI honors going to Freeman

Actor Morgan Freeman

The American Film Institute is honoring Morgan Freeman with its Life Achievement Award.

AFI chairman Howard Stringer calls Freeman “an American treasure” who brings a calm authority to his roles, “whether playing a prisoner, a president, or God.”

The 73-year-old Oscar winner (Million Dollar Baby) has received many awards throughout his career, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 2008. He was nominated for Golden Globe and Academy awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in 2009's Invictus.

Freeman can next be seen in the thriller Red, which opens Friday.

He is the 39th recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award. Others include Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis, Jack Nicholson, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese.