by Laura Beth Caldwell

Created on: February 19, 2010

The Academy Awards, lovingly dubbed “The Oscars”, is perhaps best known for the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. Celebrating the efforts of the film industry's top professionals, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has become synonymous with excellence. 

Along with recognizing the efforts of filmmakers, actors, writers, cinematographers, as well as countless other individuals whose efforts add to the “movie magic” we all love, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also recognizes the exemplary humanitarian efforts of industry professionals. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which is awarded to individuals whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the film industry, is presented from time to time at the annual Academy Awards Ceremony. An Oscar Statuette is thus given to a member of the film industry whose life and career is exemplary offstage, as well as on. 

Named after Danish actor and film industry leading advocate, Jean Hersholt, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is a symbol of true humanitarianism and goodwill. Its legacy, as well as the legacy of its namesake, remains a coveted and highly respected honor amongst film industry professionals. 

Jean Hersholt was born in Denmark on July 12, 1886 to parents who were performing artists. In 1913 Hersholt emigrated to the United States where he began his own career in silent films. By the 1920’s he had established himself as a prominent actor in Hollywood. Hersholt’s character roles became some of the industry's most loved, such as his role as Shirley Temple's grandfather in the film “Heidi”. It was Jean Hersholt’s love for the industry and its professionals, however, which he became most noted for.

In 1939 the Motion Picture Relief Fund was founded by the efforts of Jean Hersholt, Ralph Block, Ralph Morgan and Conrad Nagel. Recognizing that not every film industry professional was paid a king's ransom, the fund was designed to aid members of the industry by providing support and medical assistance to those who could not otherwise care for themselves. These efforts led to the founders receiving an honorary Academy Award for their service. The establishment of the Motion Picture Relief Fund eventually led to the creation of the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital in Woodland California. 

Jean Hersholt held the office of president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1945 to

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