Steven Spielberg and USC Shoah Foundation Institute Honored Legendary Actor and Humanitarian Kirk Douglas

LOS ANGELES, CA—OCTOBER 22, 2008—Steven Spielberg, Honorary Chair of the Shoah Foundation, presented the Ambassadors for Humanity Award to legendary actor and humanitarian Kirk Douglas.  Kirk Douglas was honored for his commitment to and support of the organization, at an evening hosted by Billy Crystal on October 22, 2008.  The Ambassadors for Humanity event also featured a special performance by Bette Midler.

“Kirk Douglas has been a lifelong leader in promoting the well being of others.  He has fought prejudice and stereotypes, and raised public awareness of social problems.  He has never been afraid to stand up for those causes even if he was one of the few–sometimes the only one–who recognized the need and could do something about it,” said Steven Spielberg, Shoah Foundation Founder and Honorary Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute.  “His determination to change the world makes him an ally of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute as it enters a new stage of activity.”

"Throughout his life, Kirk has invested his time, resources, and extraordinary talent to draw attention to social injustice and defend the basic rights of people around the world," said Kim Simon, Institute Interim Executive Director.  "He was an ambassador for humanity long before the Institute was founded, and his achievements on behalf of others are a constant reminder of the potential that exists within every individual."