Actor Sean Penn to receive Nobel Peace Summit Award

Oscar winning actor, activist and humanitarian Sean Penn has been chosen to receive the annual Peace Summit April at the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.

Penn will accept his award this April for his "outstanding contribution to international social justice and peace" which includes helping to rebuild Haiti with his praised J/P Haitian Relief Organization following the 2010 earthquake.

The star, who won Best Actor Oscars for his work in Clint Eastwood's crime drama 'Mystic River' and Gus Van Sant's gay rights true story biopic of slain politician Harvey Milk, 'Milk', was also praised by the board for "his ongoing advocacy for peace and human rights protection worldwide".

Penn released a statement responding to the news of his prize: "It’s difficult to properly respond to this while avoiding cliché. 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 honor in an extraordinary moment on Earth. I'm very grateful."

The 12th World Summit, themed “Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom and Rights,” will focus on peace, human rights and youth involvement. It will be held in Chicago, marking the first time that the summit has been hosted in North America.

Penn's latest film in the can is period mafia drama 'Gangster Squad' alongside Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin. Before that he will be seen in 'This Must Be The Place'. Check out the trailer HERE at Cinemas Online.

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