Jamie Lee Curtis received the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award on November 6 at the Women in Film Honors held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The 66-year-old actress expressed deep gratitude for being chosen for the award, highlighting its meaningful connection to her ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Recognition from Jane Fonda Highlights Shared Values
Curtis shared that being selected by Jane Fonda was particularly significant because of the qualities Fonda represents. Curtis described Fonda as a symbol of bravery, boldness, and resilience, someone who inspires people to demand better from themselves and others.
“Jane chose me. She represents something, I think, to all of us — bravery, boldness, courage under fire — demand of human beings to do better,”
Curtis explained.
“She stands for that, and then she picks the person here that’s going to exemplify those qualities in a different way.”
The actress also contrasted her own emotional nature with Fonda’s passion for detailed knowledge, emphasizing that despite their differences, they connect through love and the heart.
“She’s a wonk; I’m emotional. Yet, somehow, we’re speaking the same language with which is the language of the heart, which is love.”
Commitment to Humanitarian Causes Throughout Her Career
Jamie Lee Curtis discussed her long-standing dedication to philanthropy, explaining that her position of influence comes with a responsibility to contribute sincerely to causes she cares about. She stressed that compassion must be genuine rather than detached or purely pragmatic.
“I think what’s most important is that people understand that what we do is a privilege. We have a position of power, we have wealth, we have access to help other people — the way we do so is we have to connect ourselves,”
Curtis stated.
“It can’t just be unemotional care, it has to start from actual care.”
One of her main focus areas is Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which she has supported for many years. Additionally, Curtis has engaged with other organizations like Project Angel Food and AIDS Walk, further demonstrating her broad philanthropic involvement.
She also founded My Hand in Yours, an initiative selling handmade comfort items created by artists and makers, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
“Obviously, there are many others that I’ve been involved with over the years,”
Curtis mentioned.
“I hope young people see people like me, and people like the young actresses on Freakier Friday, who are the next generation to step up and say, ‘This is what I care about, this is why I care about it, and I hope we can join up together.’ That’s really why we’re here and happy to be here.”
Reflection on Philanthropy and Legacy
Curtis reflected on her experiences growing up watching groups of women unite for charitable causes. She credited those early impressions for inspiring her own commitment as an adult to supporting various organizations.
“I grew up as a young woman watching this group of women … come together and put on a big effing show to benefit these children,”
she said.
“I grew up right away seeing it wasn’t about them … really what I saw was, ‘Oh, you come together with other women to help other people.’ So then when I became an adult, I just mirrored that back to the organizations I’ve been a part of.”
Jane Fonda Shares the Impact of Jamie Lee Curtis’s Generosity
Jane Fonda explained her decision to honor Curtis, particularly touched by Curtis’s response during the California wildfires earlier in the year. Fonda recalled being emotional upon learning about Curtis’s generous $1 million donation toward fire relief efforts.
“What really hit me was when the [California wildfires in January] were raging and friends of mine had their houses burning — it was tragic — and then I heard that Jamie Lee gave a million dollars to fire relief, and it just made me cry,”
Fonda said.
“It’s such a magnificent gesture, and it so exemplified who she is.”
This recognition from Fonda underscores Curtis’s role as both an actress and humanitarian who uses her resources and platform to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. As Curtis continues her philanthropic work, she sets an example for future generations in Hollywood and beyond.
