Oscar-nominated stars doing their bit to make the world a better place.
It is the biggest night in Hollywood. But this year’s award nominees have more than acting ability in common. Colin Drury looks at how they also use their fame to help a variety of good causes...
Doctors save lives. Teachers prepare young minds for the future. Firefighters risk their very existence to help others. But in the midst of all of this, there is also a dedicated band of stars including Hollywood A-listers such as Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch who are also busy doing their bit.
And now, as Oscars season rolls around once more, this week Friday celebrates the good work some of these superstars do in making a difference...
Benedict Cumberbatch
Nominated for Best actor in The Imitation Game. Also known for his role in the Sherlock series that won him fans globally, as did performances as Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate and an alien in Star Trek Into Darkness.
How he makes a difference How doesn’t he make a difference might be an easier question. He’s an ambassador forThe Prince’s Trust, a charity set up by Prince Charles, Prince ofWales, to help the disadvantaged.
About that he once said “I’ve been incredibly fortunate over the years. I always knew that I wanted to work as an actor and have been extremely lucky to get where I am today. It hasn’t been without hard work and determination, but a key ingredient to anyone’s selfconfidence and personal success, is the support and guidance that comes from having a role model.”
He’s also a patron for Dramatic Needs, which sends professional musicians, artists and actors to host workshops in rural Africa; and a representative for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. He’s also a dedicated fighter of cancer. He said at a fundraising gala at Windsor Castle last year: “Cancer isn’t a disease that needs much awareness, but it does need continued funding for research”. More information at benedictcumberbatchcharity.com.
He’s donated his own artwork to charities including the Willow Foundation.