Nicolas Cage receives humanitarian award
Story by Jack Foley
OSCAR winning actor Nicolas Cage has been recognised with the Global Citizen of the Year award for his humanitarian work by the United Nations in New York.
The Hollywood star is an Amnesty International advocate who has donated $2 million (£1.2m) to establish a fund to help former child soldiers.
He also led a campaign to raise awareness about international arms control after starring as an arms dealer in the critically-acclaimed Lord of War.
The accolade was presented to the star by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who also appointed him as a UN goodwill ambassador on drugs and crime.
Cage said his role would be “to shine a spotlight on the need for global justice”, adding: “My real life role as goodwill ambassador will certainly be even more challenging and meaningful than those I have portrayed on screen.”
Commenting on the actor’s work (which also includes high-profile roles in Face/Off, Con Air and The Rock, Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said: “Nicolas Cage’s characters have exposed us to some of the darkest aspects of human nature.
“Now he is championing one of the most noble – the quest for justice. His star status and strong conviction on these issues will help us achieve security and justice for all.”
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