When Morgan Freeman, actor told a packed audience at the Academy AwardsLos Angeles ceremony that Glory was the best movie he ever made, the room buzzed with surprise. The veteran star, who turned 74 earlier this year, has spent decades juggling Oscar nods, blockbuster hits, and an unmistakable voice that has narrated everything from documentaries to superhero epics. His declaration comes amid a career that still feels very much alive, even as industry insiders start whispering about “retirement” packages for him.
Why “Glory” Tops the List
Freeman recalled stepping onto the set of Glory in 1989, a period drama about the first African‑American regiment in the Civil War. “It was more than a film; it was a mission,” he said, gesturing to the dusty battlefields that still haunt his memory. The movie earned three Academy Award nominations, and while Freeman didn’t walk away with a trophy that night, the experience cemented his belief in the power of storytelling that confronts history head‑on.
Unlike many of his later projects, Glory gave him a chance to blend his stage‑trained gravitas with a raw physicality. The role of Private Trip, a hulking yet tender soul, demanded long days in costume, rigorous drill routines, and a willingness to let his voice carry the weight of a soldier’s sorrow. "That kind of immersion is rare," he noted, "and it’s why the film still feels fresh when I think about it."
Freeman’s Turbulent Relationships With His Biggest Hits
Even as he lauds Glory, Freeman has been openly critical of other milestone movies. His bond with The Shawshank Redemption (1994) has frayed over the years. He’s told interviewers he grew tired of fielding the same question at every press junket: “Why do people keep asking about ‘Shawshank’?” He also cited creative clashes with director Frank Darabont and a grueling shooting schedule as sources of frustration.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989) is another love‑hate story. While the film snagged the Oscar for Best Picture, Freeman later confessed he felt the movie was over‑hyped and that its portrayal of race‑relations was overly sentimental. He added, "I’m not trying to knock a classic, but sometimes the narrative you sign up for doesn’t match the reality on set."
Even the celebrated Million Dollar Baby (2004), which earned him a Best Supporting Actor win, left him with mixed feelings. "It’s a beautiful film, but the industry’s ‘win‑or‑lose’ mentality can wear you down," he reflected, hinting at the pressure that comes with every Oscar season.
Oscar Journey: Nominations, Wins, and the Weight of History
Freeman’s Oscar résumé reads like a timeline of modern cinema. He earned his first nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Street Smart (1987), an unexpected thriller that introduced him as a formidable villain. Two years later, he snagged a Best Actor nod for Driving Miss Daisy — a historic moment that made him one of the few Black actors to be recognized in that category at the time.
1994 brought another Best Actor nomination for The Shawshank Redemption, cementing his status as a leading man. A decade later, in 2004, he finally lifted the Oscar, winning Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby. His most recent nod arrived in 2009 for Best Actor in Invictus, where he portrayed Nelson Mandela.
The accolades also include a Golden Globe win for Best Actor (Driving Miss Daisy) and a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role (Million Dollar Baby). Across the board, his tally stands at five Oscar nominations, one win, and a host of lifetime achievement honors that, according to Freeman, feel more like gentle nudges than retirement tickets.
Industry Reaction: Praise, Skepticism, and the Road Ahead
Fellow actors and directors responded with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Patricia Arquette, who co‑starred with Freeman in Boy Erased, said, "Morgan’s honesty about his favorite film reminds us that even legends have personal milestones that differ from public perception." On the flip side, a few critics wondered whether highlighting a relative under‑the‑radar film could re‑ignite discussions about the Academy’s historical neglect of Black‑centered narratives.
Box‑office analysts noted that a renewed spotlight on Glory could translate into a modest streaming bump, especially as older titles find new homes on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. "It’s a win‑win for audiences craving classic war dramas and for the studios that own the rights," said David Epstein, senior analyst at MarketWatch.
What’s Next for Freeman?
When pressed about retirement, Freeman laughed, "They keep handing me these ‘hang‑up‑your‑cleats’ awards, but I’m still lacing up for the next run." He hinted at two upcoming projects: a limited series where he will narrate the life of jazz legend John Coltrane, and a cameo in an upcoming superhero film that promises to be "a fun detour from the usual gravitas".
Freeman also expressed a desire to mentor young Black actors, citing the need for more authentic stories that reflect the diversity of American history—something he feels Glory did early on.
Key Facts
- Actor: Morgan Freeman, age 74
- Best film of his career: Glory (1989)
- Oscar nominations: 5 (1987‑2009), win in 2004 for Million Dollar Baby
- Recent appearance: 2025 Academy Awards, Los Angeles
- Upcoming projects: John Coltrane docuseries, superhero cameo
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Morgan Freeman consider "Glory" his favorite film?
Freeman says the film’s historical importance and the intense, immersive process of playing Private Trip gave him a sense of purpose he hasn’t felt on other sets. The project aligned his love for social justice with his craft, making it stand out among his many roles.
How has Freeman’s relationship with "The Shawshank Redemption" evolved?
He’s become increasingly weary of being pigeonholed by the film. Frequent interview questions, creative disagreements with director Frank Darabont, and the long‑term pressure to relive that role have turned admiration into fatigue.
What impact might Freeman’s endorsement have on "Glory"’s viewership?
Industry analysts expect a spike in streaming and digital rentals, similar to the resurgence seen after other legacy actors highlighted older titles. The buzz could also prompt a limited theatrical re‑release in select cities.
What are Freeman’s upcoming projects after the 2025 awards?
He’s set to narrate a docuseries on jazz legend John Coltrane and has agreed to a cameo in a yet‑to‑be‑named superhero franchise, both slated for release in 2026.
How does Freeman’s Oscar record compare to his peers?
With five nominations and a single win, his tally is comparable to many veteran actors of his generation. However, his longevity—spanning over six decades—makes his sustained relevance unusual in Hollywood.
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