Double Oscar-winner, Hollywood actor Tom Hanks was recognised by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity at his annual gala last week for his work in helping to “combat indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue”.
A noted philanthropist, he said his Hollywood achievements had enabled him “to wake up in the morning and try to make the world a better place”.
"We're American, and Americans take into account the common good. So in that regard, I feel very lucky and very blessed that I've been able to do that, when I've been able to do that," Hanks said.
However, he criticised western governments for “putting a lot of emphasis on the idea that philanthropy can take care of everything, which is not the case”, adding that social change was often the responsibility of elected officials.
Past recipients of the Elie Wiesel Humanitarian Award include former US President George Bush who received it in 1991 “for opposing tyranny and defending democratic ideals during the Gulf War”, and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who received the accolade in 2008 “for his commitment to renew and strengthen France's ties to the United States and his steadfast support of Israel”.
The foundation was established by Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel soon after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace. Rooted in the memory of the Holocaust, it aims to use youth-focused programs to promote acceptance, understanding and equality.