Lady Gaga accepted an award from Yoko Ono for her charitable works at a ceremony held in her honor in Iceland.
The pop star was honored for her philanthopy, including her Born This Way Foundation which she launched with the goal of empowering the youth of America. Lady Gaga has also been active in the fight against HIV and AIDS, raising millions in a campaign with MAC cosmetics.
More recently, Gaga has started a body acceptance campaign, Body Revolution 2013. Inspired by a media uproar after she gained weight, Lady Gaga opened up to fans about her own struggles with eating disorders and encouraged women to love their bodies despite their flaws.
“Lady Gaga is in a position of #1 as a singer/songwriter,” Ono told Reuters about honoring Lady Gaga. “And when you are #1, you don’t want to risk yourself. And she did.”
In addition to an award shaped like a puzzle piece, Lady Gaga also received $50,000 for her work. She posted a video of her acceptance speech in which she shares intentions for the money.
“I’m supremely honored to accept this grant and award today on behalf of youth empowerment around the world. I will be donating this grant to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and I will be working closely with them to ensure that the money goes specifically to those orphans and disadvantaged youth in America born with HIV or AIDS,” she said.
Lady Gaga took a break from her Born This Way Ball world tour to join Ono onstage and accept the award.
Russian rock musicians Pussy Riot were also honored for their activism in the face of imprisonment this year.
Watch Lady Gaga’s acceptance speech below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F9Fb_741JY
