Danny Glover to receive President's Award at NAACP Image Awards

Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Danny Glover will be honored with the President's Award at the upcoming 49th NAACP Image Awards.

The award, which is chosen by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, is given in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

Previous honorees include Lonnie G. Bunch, III, John Legend, Van Jones, President Bill Clinton, Soledad O'Brien, Ruby Dee, Muhammad Ali, the Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen's Association, Kerry Washington and Spike Lee.

"Danny Glover is a remarkable man whose accomplishments in Hollywood are matched by his philanthropic triumphs," Johnson said in a statement. "Mr. Glover remains a great artist and true inspiration who always uses his celebrity status to advance the cause of social justice and respect for our diverse society."

"It is with great honor that I bestow this year's NAACP President's Award on Mr. Glover for his phenomenal altruistic efforts both domestically and internationally," he continued.

Glover, an actor known for starring in films such as Lethal Weapon and The Color Purple among many others, has also dedicated his time towards philanthropic efforts with an emphasis on economic justice, health care access and education programs.

The NAACP Image Awards hosted by Anthony Anderson will be broadcasted live on Martin King Luther King Jr. Day on TV One at 9 p.m. ET.