Sean Penn - Sean Penn Accepts Peace Prize

The actor/activist is the founder of J/P Haitian Relief Organization and has been lauded for his help providing aid for victims of the country's devastating 2010 earthquake.

He received the 2012 Peace Summit Award on Wednesday (26Apr12) at the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago, Illinois. The prize is awarded each year to a "high profile personality" for their "outstanding contributions to international social justice and peace".

Penn dedicated the award to the people of Haiti, saying, "It’s difficult to properly respond to this while avoiding cliche. But quite deliberately, I'm thrilled to receive this tribute and to represent it to the youth of Haiti, the strong women of Haiti, and of the world.

"Tomorrow is a new day where cynicism is for cowards, and men of virtue and agency will be true heroes to their sons. Many in my generation know cowardice well, but not the youth, and not the women. And never the Haitians. This is an extraordinary honour in an extraordinary moment on Earth. I'm very grateful."