Morgan Freeman takes career nod

Palm Springs International Film Festival to honor the actor

By Gregg Kilday

Nov 10, 2009, 03:39 PM ET

Morgan Freeman will be feted with the 21st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival's Career Achievement Award for Acting at the fest's Awards Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 5.

Freeman plays Nelson Mandela in the upcoming "Invictus," directed by Clint Eastwood, who took home the festival's Career Achievement Award this past January.

"Invictus," which also stars Matt Damon as rugby team captain Francois Pienaar, will be released by Warners on Dec. 11.

"The Palm Springs International Film Festival is honored to present Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman with the Career Achievement Award for his large and extraordinary body of work and his many memorable performances throughout the years, including his role as Nelson Mandela in 'Invictus,' " said festival chairman Harold Matzner.

Freeman won the Oscar for best supporting actor in 2005 for "MIllion Dollar Baby" and has received three other Academy Award nominations.

His most recent films include "The Dark Knight" and "Batman Begins," "The Bucket List," "Feast of Love" and "Gone Baby Gone."

The festival runs Jan. 5-18.

Morgan Freeman takes career nod

Palm Springs International Film Festival to honor the actor

By Gregg Kilday

Nov 10, 2009, 03:39 PM ET