Morgan Freeman shared fresh insights on the personal and professional effects of his Academy Award, explaining that his Morgan Freeman Oscar win impact was not as life-altering as some might expect. In a recent conversation, he discussed how the prestigious recognition for Million Dollar Baby shaped—and did not shape—his approach to work and self-identity.
Insights from Freeman’s Award-Winning Career
During a recent interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups, the 88-year-old actor looked back on his renowned career and his 2005 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Speaking candidly, Freeman revealed that he was always confident an Academy Award would eventually come his way.
“I kind of knew early on that I would eventually get (an Oscar). It didn’t change me,”
Freeman said.
“I hope it didn’t change me. Because the only change you can expect after you’ve gotten an Oscar is maybe your price goes up a tiny bit and your job prospects go up a bit.”
— Morgan Freeman, Actor
He also offered advice on staying humble in the wake of such success.
“That’s the one thing or two things, I guess, you could look forward to. Other than that, don’t let your ego get the best of you.”
— Morgan Freeman, Actor
Freeman’s performance as Eddie Scrap Iron Dupris in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby, in which he acted alongside Hilary Swank and Clint Eastwood, earned him the Oscar and secured his place among Hollywood’s elite. This was not his first interaction with the Academy, however; earlier nominations had already marked him as a major figure in cinema.
Freeman’s Notable Performances and Continued Career
Over the course of his six decades in the industry, Freeman has been nominated for the Academy Awards five times. In addition to Million Dollar Baby, he earned nominations for Street Smart in 1987 (Best Supporting Actor), Driving Miss Daisy in 1989 (Best Actor), The Shawshank Redemption in 1994 (Best Actor), and Invictus in 2009 (Best Actor).
When questioned about which roles best capture his essence as an actor, Freeman reflected on several works.
“Driving Miss Daisy sits way up there,”
he said.
“And so does Invictus. Actually, I like a lot of them.”
— Morgan Freeman, Actor
Freeman recently appeared in Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which was released to theaters on November 14. He has also starred in both the original Now You See Me (2013) and its sequel (2016), continuing to take on new challenges and roles throughout his illustrious run.
The Enduring Legacy of Freeman’s Oscar Win
Morgan Freeman’s perspective on his Academy Award shows that, while the honor brought recognition and new opportunities, it did not shift the core of his personality or his approach to film. His continued work with notable projects and legendary co-stars like Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank serves as a testament to his longevity and influence in Hollywood. The ways in which he values humility and professionalism, even at the peak of success, continue to inspire actors and audiences alike. As his career progresses, Freeman’s reflections offer valuable lessons for those navigating fame and accomplishment in the film industry.
