Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/879767
12 SAG-AFTRA | Summer/Fall 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org For Members MORGAN FREEMAN NAMED SAG LIFE ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE M organ Freeman – actor, producer, voice actor and activist – has been named the 54th recipient of SAG-AFTRA's highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment. Freeman will be presented the union's top accolade at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, which will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Jan. 21, 2018, at 5 p.m. PT. Nominated and voted on by members of the SAG-AFTRA National Honors and Tributes Committee, the Life Achievement Award is bestowed for outstanding achievement in embodying the best ideals of the acting profession. The recipient of this award is a well-established performer who has contributed to improving the image of the acting profession and has a history of active involvement in humanitarian and public service endeavors. "I am thrilled to announce Morgan Freeman as this year's recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. Some actors spend their entire careers waiting for the perfect role. Morgan showed us that true perfection is what a performer brings to the part," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. "He is innovative, fearless and completely unbound by expectations. As a chauffeur, convicted murderer, boxing gym attendant, pimp or president, Morgan fully realized every character, baring their souls and showcasing their humanity. It has been a privilege to see his genius at work." Freeman has earned four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He received the SAG Awards Actor® for his performance in the Best Picture Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby, a role that also garnered him a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award and a AACP mage Award. Two lms starring Freeman are on the Library of Congress' National Film Registry: Unforgiven, which received four Oscars, and The Shawshank Redemption, for which Freeman received Best Actor nominations for a SAG Award, Oscar and a Golden Globe. In addition to his impressive list of credits, Freeman has also made his mark through philanthropic endeavors. In 1973, Freeman co-founded the Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop, now in its 37th season, which supports and nurtures promising African-American playwrights to ensure those voices can be heard. He additionally supports Artists for a New South Africa and the Campaign for Female Education, organizations working to create hope and better lives for countless people. NIGEL PARRY/CPI 24 TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS ® CALENDAR Monday, Oct. 2 Period begins to request paper nal ballots in lieu of online voting. Monday, Oct. 23 Submissions close at 5 p.m. PT. Thursday, Nov. 16 Nominations balloting opens. Friday, Dec. 1 Deadline for paying November 2017 dues and/or changing address with SAG-AFTRA to be eligible for nal balloting. Thursday, Dec. 7 Records pulled for nal balloting. Sunday, Dec. 10 Nominations balloting closes at 5 p.m. PT. Wednesday, Dec. 13 Nominations announced. Tuesday, Dec. 19 Final voting opens. Monday, Jan. 8 Final day to request paper ballots in lieu of online voting. Friday, Jan. 19 Final votes must be cast online or ballots received by the elections rm by noon PT. Sunday, Jan. 21 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ® Visit sagawards.org The cast of Stranger Things, the recipients of the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series award, celebrate backstage. EMMA MCINTYRE/GETTY IMAGES