Tribeca Film Festival to honor John Singleton with free showing of 'Boyz n the Hood'

The Tribeca Film Festival will honor critically-acclaimed director John Singleton on Friday with a free screening of his Academy Award-nominated film "Boyz N the Hood."

Singleton, who was the first African American to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Director, died on Monday at the age of 51 after suffering a stroke the week before.

In a statement, Singleton's family said he "passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends."

Details of a memorial service will be announced at a later time.

Written and directed by Singleton, "Boyz n the Hood" examined urban and racial tensions through the eyes of childhood friends growing up in South Central L.A. amid poverty and gang violence.

The film starred Cuba Gooding, Jr., Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne, and rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube.

After receiving widespread critical acclaim, the film was later nominated for two Oscars -- Best Director and Best Original Screenplay-- which made Singleton the youngest filmmaker to receive nominations in those two categories.

Singleton's "Boyz n the Hood" will screen at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the SVA Theater on West 23rd Street.

For tickets and more information, go to tribecafilm.com.