Oscar weekend is finally here, and we’re gearing up to watch our favorite stars walk the red carpet outside Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Before the big night, we take a look at the leading nominees that earn their spot on Good Celebrity’s list of most charitable stars.
We found that the 2016 Academy Award-nominated actors and actresses in a leading role categories are talented and generous.
Good Celebrity’s Most Charitable Nominees: Actor in a Leading Role
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
During the final season of AMC’s Breaking Bad, Cranston teamed up with his co-star Aaron Paul and Omaze to raise money for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The contest gave two fans the opportunity to take the show’s iconic RV to the premiere of the series finale in 2013. Omaze helped Cranston raised $303,000 for his nominated charity.
Last year, Cranston auctioned off a personalized lunch date to raise donations for The Drama League’s 2015 Benefit, which promotes educational programs.
Matt Damon, The Martian
The Oscar-winning actor focuses his philanthropic work primarily on his organization, Water.org. Damon is the co-founder of the nonprofit that advocated for safe water and sanitation solutions in poverty-stricken countries around the world. The charity’s mission is to give women hope and improve children’s health.
“People talk about the global water crisis and what’s coming down the road,” said Damon. “We just want to keep reminding them that for 748 million people, the crisis is already here.
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
He’s vying for his first Oscar this weekend, but win or lose, DiCaprio earns a place on our most charitable stars list because of his tremendous work with his self-titled foundation.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation uses its funds to promote environmental awareness and prevent the destruction of natural resources. The nonprofit advocates for sharks in California, tigers in Asia and elephants in Africa. It also urges world leaders to discuss climate change.
Last summer, the foundation raised $40 million to support these causes during a Gala in Saint-Tropez.
Also, Leo was recently named the United Nations Messenger of Peace for Climate Change and received the 2014 Clinton Global Citizen Award.
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
While shooting a film in 2012, Fassbender surprised runners in the Spooky Skedaddle 5K and Festival by making an appearance with co-star Ryan Gosling. The pair took pictures with children for the event that benefitted the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, TX.
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
In August, the Hollywood Reporter announced that the Oscar-winning actor is the new ambassador for UK-based charity Into Film.
The organization aids young people ages five through 19 by centering their education and personal development around film.
“I went to the Westminster Academy last year with Into Film and saw firsthand the impact that all aspects film can have on young people — the power to inspire, connect and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us,” Redmayne said in a statement.
Good Celebrity’s Most Charitable Nominees: Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett, Carol
She’s won two Academy Awards, and Sunday night Blanchett hopes for a third golden statue. When she’s not starring on the big screen, The Aviator star is an ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation.
During her work with the organization, she’s been a strong advocate for climate change awareness.
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
The Oscar-winner collaborates closely with her self-titled foundation to support organizations including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.
Most recently, Lawrence made a generous $2 million donation to the Kosair Children’s Hospital in her hometown, Louisville, KY. The funds benefit the hospital’s new Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
“My family and I have met so many wonderful children on our visits to the hospital. Their strength and courage is inspiring,” Lawrence said. She urged fans to match her gift with another $2 million.
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
The second-time Academy Award nominee showed support for her roots by starring in a PSA for The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Watch these good celebrities walk the red carpet on Sunday (February 28) and see who takes home the gold. The Oscars air live on ABC at 7 pm EST.