The Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award is an esteemed honor presented to an individual within the motion picture industry who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to humanitarian causes. This award recognizes those whose compassionate efforts have brought significant credit to the industry, embodying the spirit of service and advocacy that Ruby Dee exemplified throughout her remarkable career.
Ruby Dee was more than a celebrated actress; she was a tireless activist and a beacon of hope in the fight for civil rights and social justice. Throughout her illustrious career, Ruby Dee used her platform not just to entertain, but to inspire change and advocate for equality.
From her early days, Ruby Dee was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, standing alongside her husband, Ossie Davis, and other prominent leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Her activism was not limited to public appearances; it was woven into the fabric of her life and career. Dee's participation in the 1963 March on Washington and her powerful oratory at Malcolm X's funeral are just a few examples of her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
In addition to her work on the front lines of the civil rights movement, Ruby Dee was a vocal advocate for women's rights, education, and the arts. She believed in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and bring people together, and she dedicated her life to using her talents for the greater good. Her work on stage and screen was always infused with a deep sense of purpose, reflecting her belief that art could be a force for positive change.
The Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award is more than a recognition of philanthropic efforts; it is a tribute to those in the motion picture industry who, like Ruby Dee, have dedicated their lives to serving others. This award honors individuals whose humanitarian work has not only benefited communities but has also elevated the image of the film industry as a powerful force for good.
Recipients of this award are those who have used their influence and resources to address pressing social issues, champion the underrepresented, and advocate for justice. Whether through direct activism, charitable work, or raising awareness on global platforms, these individuals embody the essence of Ruby Dee's legacy—a legacy of courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
As we honor the recipients of the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award, we celebrate the enduring impact of Ruby Dee's life and work. Her legacy serves as a reminder that the true measure of success in the motion picture industry is not just in the roles played or awards won, but in the difference made in the lives of others.
The Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award stands as a testament to the belief that those who work in the arts have a unique opportunity—and a profound responsibility—to contribute to a better world. Through this award, we continue to honor Ruby Dee's extraordinary life and her relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and compassion for all.
Honorees
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Oprah Winfrey
2018, Honoree
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Chaz Ebert
2022, Honoree
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Kerry Washington
2023, Honoree
Oprah Winfrey
2018
Throughout her illustrious career, Oprah Winfrey has used her platform to champion social justice, education, and empowerment, making a profound impact both on and off the screen. Her philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, have provided scholarships to underprivileged students, built schools in Africa, and supported countless charitable causes around the world. Winfrey's work in producing and promoting films that highlight important social issues, such as The Color Purple and Selma, reflects her deep commitment to storytelling that inspires change and uplifts marginalized voices. Her dedication to improving the lives of others, combined with her influential role in the entertainment industry, makes her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award, embodying the spirit of Ruby Dee's legacy of service and advocacy.
Chaz Ebert
2022
Chaz Ebert has been a steadfast advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social justice, using her platform to uplift underrepresented voices in cinema and beyond. She has championed numerous initiatives that support emerging filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized communities, through her work with the Ebert Foundation and the Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation. Additionally, Ebert has been deeply involved in charitable efforts focused on education, arts, and healthcare, demonstrating her commitment to improving lives both within and outside the film industry. Her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world, coupled with her tireless efforts to advance the art of storytelling, makes her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award, embodying the spirit of Ruby Dee's legacy of service, advocacy, and empowerment.
Kerry Washington
2023
Throughout her career, Kerry Washington has been a vocal champion for social justice, gender equality, and civil rights, using her influence to drive meaningful change. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about issues such as voter suppression, racial discrimination, and violence against women, serving as an ambassador for organizations like the V-Day movement and the Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse initiative. Washington's commitment to empowering marginalized communities extends to her work behind the scenes, where she has produced and supported projects that amplify diverse voices and tell stories that challenge societal norms. Her dedication to using her platform for good, both through her advocacy and her storytelling, makes her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award, embodying the spirit of Ruby Dee's legacy of activism and compassion.