*Spike Lee will present Denzel Washington with the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award!
The American Film Institute (AFI) also announced Mahershala Ali, Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman (2011 honoree), Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson will participate in AFI’s tribute to Washington’s life and work.
“Denzel Washington is a hero to audiences all over the world and an inspiration for artists across generations,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President & CEO. “Prepare for an extraordinary night as AFI brings together American film’s finest to raise a glass to a national treasure.”
Multitalented film, television and music video artist Melina Matsoukas (AFI Class of 2005) will receive the 2019 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, recognizing her extraordinary creative talents.
Tickets to attend the Gala are available at AFI.com/laa/default.aspx.
The special will air on TNT on Thursday, June 20, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, followed by an encore at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Sister network Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will also air the special in September, during a night of programming dedicated to Washington’s work. This marks the seventh year the Emmy®-winning AFI special will air on TNT.
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About Denzel Washington
Washington’s cinematic legacy includes powerhouse, Academy Award-winning performances in “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001), as well as celebrated roles in “Cry Freedom” (1987), “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Hurricane” (1999), “Flight” (2012) and “Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017), earning additional nominations for each. Washington has crafted compelling, unforgettable characters in recurring collaborations with master directors past and present, bringing stalwart grit and nuanced complexity to films essential to the American canon, such as Jonathan Demme’s “Philadelphia” (1993), Spike Lee’s “Inside Man” (2006) and Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” (2007) — and to blockbuster, crowd-pleasing fare such as Edward Zwick’s (AFI Class of 1975) “Crimson Tide” (1995), Tony Scott’s “Man On Fire” (2004), and Antoine Fuqua’s “The Magnificent Seven” (2016). A creative force behind the camera as well, Washington has helmed critically acclaimed films, “Antwone Fisher” (2002) and “The Great Debaters” (2007), in which he also stars. He won a 2010 Tony for his performance in the play “Fences,” and directed, produced and starred in the 2016 film adaptation that earned him Best Actor and Best Picture Oscar nominations.
About the AFI Life Achievement Award
The highest honor given for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award was established by the AFI Board of Trustees in 1973. It is presented to a single honoree each year based on the following criteria as mandated through a resolution passed by the AFI Board of Trustees: The recipient should be one whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.
About the American Film Institute
The American Film Institute was established by presidential proclamation in the White House Rose Garden, and launched its national mandate on June 5, 1967 — to preserve the heritage of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.
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