Actor and singer Harry Belafonte accepted a top Hollywood Human Rights award and asked his fellow artists as well as the entertainment industry to use the powerful platform to show the better side of humanity.

The 87-year old Belafonte accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award in front of a star-studded audience next to his long time friend and fellow actor Sidney Poitier. The Jean Hershold Humanitarian award is an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he was given the award due to his lifelong fight for civil rights and other humanitarian causes.

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During his acceptance speech the actor said " To be rewarded by my peers for my work on civil rights, human rights and peace--let me put it this way it powerfully mutes the enemy's thunder. I also call to other artists to be a relevant voice for the civilization and help the world see the better side of who and what we are as species."

Honorary Oscars were also awarded to three other prolific artists and creators who have deeply influenced the entertainment industry. 

93-year old Irish actress Maureen O' Hara, who still has her famous red hair-- received a standing ovation after being presented the award by Actors Clint Eastwood and Liam Neeson.

While 73-year old Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, was awarded by American director John Lasseter -- Miyazaki created 11 feature films including the children's classic "My Neighbor Totoro, he also drew the story boards for each and every film he created.

Miyazaki accepted the award by saying that he felt very lucky because he was part of the last era wherein they created films with paper, pencil and film.

TagsHarry Belafonte