Angelina Jolie Honored for Humanitarian Efforts at 2013 Governors Awards

She may be playing a cold hearted witch in Disney's upcoming fantasy thriller Maleficent, but in real life Angelina Jolie spends her time helping those in need around the globe. The 38-year old actress and activist was honored for her efforts Saturday night at the 2013 Governors Awards in Hollywood.

Angelina, who was joined by longtime love Brad Pitt and their son Maddox was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her work as the co-founder of the Prevent Sexual Violence Initiative and for serving as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.


Jolie, who recently underwent a preventive double mastectomy got emotional as she accepted the award and spoke of her mom Marcheline Bertrand, who passed away from cancer in 2007 at 56 years old.

"She did give me love and confidence, and above all, she was very clear that nothing would mean anything if I didn't have a life of use to others," the actress revealed.

"It was only when I began to travel that I understood my responsibility to others," she told the audience.

Murder She Wrote actress Angela Lansbury, comedian Steve Martin, and Italian costume designer Pietro Tosi also received awards at the annual ceremony, which signals the start of awards season.