The American Film Institute (AFI) announced the first wave of guest presenters who will celebrate Denzel Washington at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 6, 2019, at a Gala Tribute in Los Angeles.
Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman (2011 honoree), Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson will all be in attendance to pay tribute to Washington’s life and work. In addition, 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.
The event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. More talent will be announced soon. 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.
“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.”
Tickets to attend the Gala are still available at AFI.com/laa/default.aspx. The event will begin at the Dolby with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., followed by a black-tie Wolfgang Puck dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the Tribute show beginning at 8:00 p.m.
The AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute special will air for its seventh year on TNT, followed by encore presentations on sister network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
