Betty White, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle and Sidney Poitier also feted the 74-year-old actor during a private ceremony Thursday at Sony Studios in Culver City, California. The three-hour celebration included clips of Freeman's legendary films and early performances, including him singing and dancing on TV's "The Electric Company" in the early 1970s.

There was also a musical tribute: Garth Brooks and a chorus performed "Lean on Me," the title of a 1989 film featuring Freeman in the leading role. Freeman is the 39th recipient of the AFI honor, which recognizes those whose talent helps advance the art of film.