Batman gives back in more ways than one. Ben Affleck received the Favorite Humanitarian Award at the 41st Annual People's Choice Awards at L.A.'s Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
The Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice actor was recognized for his work with the Eastern Congo Initiative, which he founded in 2010. The organization focuses on working with and for those in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thanks to Affleck's help, the grant-making initiative has already provided 80 grants to Congolese groups.
"I've been called a lot of things in my life, but I'm not sure humanitarian until recently has ever been one of them," Affleck, 42, said in his acceptance speech Wednesday night. "I've been privileged to work alongside so many people in Congo and those all around the world that I assure you are far more deserving."
The cause is an ongoing passion of Affleck's, who also traveled to Africa to direct the short film Gimme Shelter in 2008. The project helped raise money for clean water supplies and humanitarian assistance.
"I want to accept this award on behalf of all the people of the Eastern Congo Initiative and all of our partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They inspire me every day with this relentless optimism and perseverance," the Gone Girl star continued. "Sometimes the world is just a terrible and scary place…One thing I learned by watching people better at it and smarter at it and more dedicated than I am is that by trying to do even just a little bit, whether it be in another country or our country or supporting our troops or sending $5 over the Internet — the one way to combat the sad and terrible things we see is to bring just a little bit of kindness into the world."
This is the third time a star has been recognized for his or her humanitarian work at the PCAs. Previous winners were Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Hudson.
