Legendary actor Morgan Freeman was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival, where he received the prestigious Crystal Nymph award during the opening ceremony.
Freeman, 87, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, likening it to “a large pat on the back.”
“A large pat on the back getting an award like the Crystal Myth. Mist. Nypmh. I’ll get it right, I promise you. It’s quite a nice honor. … So I’m thanking, number one, Prince Albert and Monaco,” Freeman remarked graciously.
In addition to his acting prowess, Freeman serves as an executive producer on the festival’s opening title, “The Gray House,” a series inspired by true events from the US Civil War, which premiered in Monte Carlo.
“… I guess maybe there is a sense of responsibility, particularly when we’re telling stories like this. Yes. The responsibility, of course, is to adhere to the truth, find it and use it. …”
Reflecting on his influential roles, including his portrayal of the US president before the election of America’s first Black president, Freeman shared insights on societal impact.
“No, I don’t think I’ve been responsible. But, it’s – if the image is acceptable to the majority, then the reality also is acceptable. I met Barack, before he became president. When he was running for, campaigning, and he knew that I had been president, so he just bowed. But you know, I think, what you’re asking, it’s true. There is maybe – maybe I helped some.”
The Monte-Carlo Television Festival, a five-day event celebrating excellence in television, concludes on June 18.
