Lifetime Achievement Awards for Deakins and Freeman

A pair to report.  First up, Morgan Freeman gets the AFI tribute treatment this year.  I wonder if we’ll get some quality discussion of his work with David Fincher on “Se7en.” The press release, in part:

Morgan Freeman has been selected by the  American Film Institute’s (AFI) Board of Trustees to receive the 39th AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film, it was announced today by Sir Howard Stringer, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. The award will be presented to Freeman at a gala tribute on Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA.  TV Land will broadcast the 39th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute on TV Land PRIME later in June 2011.

“Morgan Freeman is an American treasure,” said Stringer.  “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.”

Next up, the ASC will fete Roger Deakins at its annual awards dinner this year.  One can only hope that doesn’t skew voters away from awarding his work in “True Grit” (should it be up to snuff — how could it not, though), but I’m also betting veteran Russell Boyd will be giving him a run for his money amongst the lensers.  Deakins was also visual consultant on “How to Train Your Dragon.” The press release, in part:

“The Lifetime Achievement Award is a reflection of the impact that a cinematographer has made on the art of filmmaking rather than the capping of a career,” says ASC President Michael Goi. “It is our way of acknowledging a true artist in his prime. Roger Deakins raises the artistic profile of our profession with every movie and he will continue to do so for many years.”…

“I had mixed emotions when I was told about this recognition,” Deakins says. “To be honest, I am flattered, but I also feel like I am only just getting started. I’m enjoying what I do more than I ever have and there seems to be so much more I want to do. I feel like I’m getting this award about halfway through my career. It is great to realize that my colleagues watch my work and get something out of it.”

[Photo: Scrape TV]