One of the world's biggest stars is set to receive the Golden Globes' biggest honor: Oprah Winfrey is the 2018 winner of the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

The award, given annually to an influential person in the entertainment industry, is seen as a lifetime achievement honor of sorts, and has typically gone to celebs who have been Hollywood bigwigs for decades. Meryl Streep received the prestigious prize in 2017, and Winfrey's selection signals the first time ever that the award has gone to two female recipients in consecutive years. Winfrey is also the first African-American woman to receive the prize.

Meher Tatna, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, released a statement about Winfrey's fitness for the honor:

"The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is delighted to announce Oprah Winfrey as the recipient of the 2018 Cecil B. DeMille Award. As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, and actress, she has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today. For generations, Oprah has celebrated strong female characters on and off screen, and has been a role model for women and young girls for decades. Holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, and Founder, Oprah is one of the most influential women of our time, and this honor is well deserved especially in this 75th anniversary year of the Golden Globe Awards."

Morgan Freeman, who won the DeMille Award in 2012, was the first to announce Winfrey's selection, sharing the news in a sweet video message recounting his own presentation by fellow previous recipient Sidney Poitier. It's unclear at this point if Freeman will be the one to present Winfrey with her award, but as the actor noted in his message, Winfrey is "in for an incredible night" either way.

The 75th annual Golden Globe Awards will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2018. The telecast, hosted by Seth Meyers, will air live on NBC.

[via: Golden Globes]