Known for his roles in "Driving Miss Daisy," "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Shawshank Redemption," Freeman will be presented with the honor at the AFI gala. The AFI Life Achievement Award tribute will air on TV Land Prime in late June 2011. AFI board of trustees chairman Howard Stringer said in a statement, "Morgan Freeman is an American treasure. Across decades, whether playing a prisoner, a president or God, he embodies a calm authority that demands respect for the character and for the art form. His gifts to the cultural record are also underscored by his unmistakable voice that echoes through the hearts and minds of movie lovers around the world. AFI is proud to present him with its 39th Life Achievement Award."
Freeman made his Broadway debut in the Pearl Bailey production of Hello, Dolly! He earned a Tony Award nomination for The Gospel at Colonus and has also appeared in The Dozens, Purlie, The Mighty Gents and the 2008 revival of The Country Girl.
His performance in "Million Dollar Baby" earned the veteran actor a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. He earned a Golden Globe for "Driving Miss Daisy" and was Oscar-nominated for "Invictus." His numerous screen appearances include "Se7en," "Kiss the Girls," "Amistad," "Unforgiven," "Attica" and "The Bucket List."