Ben Affleck will soon be the proud owner of a pair of Oscars and an honorary doctorate in fine arts.
The actor and filmmaker will be granted the degree from Brown University at the institution’s commencement on May 26, along with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz and other luminaries in science, art and education.
The distinction comes on the heels of a banner awards season for the 40-year-old, who’s gone from being a celebrity gossip magnet to a respected creator in his field. Earlier this year, Affleck accepted the best picture Oscar for his 2012 film, “Argo,” which he starred in and directed.
Brown notes that in addition to his theatrical achievements, Affleck’s also an active humanitarian. On Monday, he announced that he was joining an initiative called Live Below the Line, which draws attention to the fact that 1.4 billion people are living on less than $1.50 a day.
As a result, Affleck’s going to join the effort by surviving on $1.50 for one day next week on behalf of the Eastern Congo Initiative, an advocacy and grant-making organization that he founded.
