Morgan Freeman received a career tribute at Deauville Film Festival on Friday, in his first festival appearance after accusation of inappropriate behaviour earlier this year.

The 81-year old actor was greeted in Deauville by a large group of fans and was introduced on stage by prominent French actor Vincent Lindon, reported Variety. Lindon delivered an emotional homage to Freeman, praising and appreciating him for making the way for other African American actors by playing various non-stereotypical roles at a time when the African-American actors were only cast to play Black characters.