Actor Ben Affleck (Gone Girl, Batman, Good Will Hunting) will be honored as “Favorite Humanitarian” at the People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday, January 7 (9pm, CBS). Affleck was selected for his work with the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), an advocacy group he founded in 2010 to increase economic and social development in the region. The award is an attempt to show there is more to Hollywood than just glitz and money, says Executive Producer of the People’s Choice Awards Mark Burnett.
Burnett is the fabulously wealthy creator of mainstream TV shows like Survivor and Shark Tank–and more targeted religious films including Son of God and the forthcoming Ben-Hur remake. Burnett said in a statement, “This award has become an important part of our show. It highlights a different side of a celebrity and helps bring awareness to a cause that our audience can support.” Burnett’s world view is deeply informed by his Christianity, so his affection for this aspect of the People’s Choice Awards festivities is understandable. Burnett also believes that “public schools should teach the Bible.”
