Two-Time Academy Award winning actor Sean Penn will receive the "Hollywood Humanitarian Award" for his work in Haiti, the Hollywood Film Festival and Starz’ Hollywood Awards announced on Wednesday.
Following January’s devastating earthquake, Penn founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization which focuses on bringing medical aid and protection to the impoverished country. In fact, the actor has spent much of the year in Haiti tending to refugees at the Petionville Camp that he manages.
Penn was also active in various New Orleans’ rescue efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2006.
"It is an honor to recognize the inspiring humanitarian efforts that Sean Penn and his J/P Haitian Relief Organization have been providing to the great people of Haiti," Carlos de Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Festival, said in a statement.
Prior recipients of the award include director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, Father Rick Frechette, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and President of East Timor, Dr. Jose Ramos Horta, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ms. Jody Williams.
A gala ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 25, 2010.
