Actor Ewan McGregor, perhaps best known as young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the recent trilogy of “Star Wars” films, will be honored for his UNICEF work with Iraqi children when he receives a humanitarian award at this year’s British Academy Britannia Awards in Beverly Hills, it was announced Tuesday.
According to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles, McGregor will receive the Britannia Humanitarian Award on Oct. 28 at the Beverly Hilton.
The award honors someone who has used films or their position in the entertainment industry “to create positive social change and actively shine a light on important humanitarian issues.” Previous recipients include Don Cheadle, Colin Firth, Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, Richard Curtis and Orlando Bloom.
“Ewan McGregor is not only a multi-talented individual, but has led by example in showing that even one person can make a huge difference in the life of a child,” said Kieran Breen, chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles. “Given his most recent work in Iraq, and ongoing commitment to the fight against the horrific conditions in which children there are living, he is most deserving of this honor. We are thrilled to be able to recognize his work and shed light on the initiatives about which he is most passionate.”
BAFTA officials pointed to McGregor’s work with UNICEF, which with he traveled to northern Iraq to view the effect of the region’s conflict on children’s lives.
McGregor’s directorial debut, “American Pastoral,” is scheduled for release Oct. 21. He also appears in the film along with Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning. McGregor will appear next year in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Also scheduled to be honored during the Britannia Awards are director Ang Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson and actor/comedian Ricky Gervais.
–City News Service