Samuel L. Jackson received a lifetime achievement award at the 23rd annual American Cinematheque honors on December 2, 2008.During the ceremony Jackson revealed that some of the harshest criticism he ever heard came from his wife , actress LaTanya Richardson, who attended the event at his side. He said "She told me, 'You can't do this. You're a bloodless actor,'". He confirmed that her comments pushed him to improve his performances.
Jackson's wife, actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, spoke of her husband's collaboration with Spike Lee in four films.
Before presenting Jackson with the award, director George Lucas praised him, calling him "unequivocally one of the most honest, straightforward, kindest human beings I've ever met."
