The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

Great directing, acting and cinematography are for what the Oscars are probably best known. Each year, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) bestows the entertainment world's highest honors on film professionals. However, in addition to the coveted titles of Best Director, Actor/Actress and Films, the Academy also offers The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. This Award is given to those film professionals who have made remarkable humanitarian contributions that bring credit to the industry and in the 54 years that the honor was first conceived, only 33 have been awarded.

The Namesake & History of the Award

The late Jean Hersholt was an actor who once served president of both AMPAS and the Motion Picture Relief Fund. A Danish immigrant, Hersholt worked in the film industry for many decades until his death. While he tried his hand at directing, he was best known for his body of over 140 films and television shows. One of his most memorable character being Dr. Christian.

Through his life, Hersholt also showed compassion and concern for his fellow actors. He, along with Ralph Black, Conrad Nagel, and Ralph Morgan, helped establish the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Through the fund, Academy members-writers, support staff and techs alike- were provided needed medical care and financial support. For his efforts, Hersholt received a humanitarian honor, with Morgan, Nagel and Black, in 1948.

Hersholt's work was not limited to the cinematic helm. He also took time to translate the works of Hans Christian Anderson for children. And, through continued efforts with the Motion Picture Relief Fund, established the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital which provided respite and long term care for Academy members.

In 1956, Hersholt passed away and almost immediately the Academy established the honor that bears his name. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is not the same as the Academy's Award of Merit, because the Hersholt Award's voting is restricted to the Board of Governors. The Hersholt honor is the Academy's lasting tribute to the man, who devoted his life to bettering the plight of those around him.

Recipients

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award has been given to a number of actors for a variety of efforts. In 1967, Gregory Peck received the award for his work with various causes including the American Cancer Society. In the 70s, Charleton Heston and Frank Sinatra each received their honors for their work for Civil Rights. Comedian Jerry Lewis was given the honor for his tireless work for the children suffering from Muscular Dystrophy. Other recipients include Bob Hope, in 1959, for his support of American troops which included USO shows and Paul Newman in 1993 for his charitable work, Newman's Own, and his work for seriously ill children through his Hole In the Wall Camps. Greats such as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kay and Martha Raye have also received this great honor.

The Future

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is a testament to the legacy of its namesake and countless other Hollywood stars, who believe that there is an obligation to care. Stars like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp all offer examples of the Jean Hersholt spirit and may in time be honored with the award themselves.

Starting out as a continuing honor to a man who offered so much to others, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards stands as a reminder that actors are part of a greater world. The award while not for any particular movie is an acknowledgement of a greater "acts."

For more information on Jean or the award named in his honor, check out the following resources:

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/about/awards/hersholt.html

http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Jean+Hersholt+Humanitarian+Award